The star wicketkeeper-batter has not been very impressive in the shorter formats. The youngster has struggled a lot while coming in at No. 5 or 6. Many questions were raised by the critics and fans about his spot in the squad, he even lost his spot in the team after Dinesh Karthik made a comeback as a finisher.
Former wicketkeeper-batter Robin Uthappa thinks that Pant should be given a chance to bat at the top order instead of batting in the middle. Despite getting a lot of chances Pant has failed to deliver for India in white-ball cricket.
“The next 20-20 World Cup is in two years. So keeping the conditions there in mind, I feel Rishabh Pant should bat in the top 3. If you look at his records for Delhi Franchise, his best performances have come when he has opened or when he has batted at no. 3. So, you have to give him the opportunity to become a match-winner in that position”. Uthappa said to Sportskeeda.
All eyes are on the New Zealand tour
Pant will be seen in the blue jersey during the white-ball series against the Kiwis. The series concludes three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting on this Friday in Wellington. For the ODI matches of the New Zealand series, Shikhar Dhawan will serve as a captain in the absence of some big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul.
The 25-year-old will get a chance to prove his worth during the action against New Zealand. The team will be led by Hardik Pandya while Pant will be seen as the vice-captain of the men in blue but his focus would be on his batting and having a big score under his name.
Uthappa also thinks that Dinesh Karthik will no longer be in the squad for the 20-20 World Cup 2024 as he will be turning 38 next year. “I think Dinesh Karthik might not play for India again. So you can groom the likes of Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi, and Deepak Hooda for the finisher’s role. Umran Malik is a bowler who can definitely play,” he said.
