Simon Doull believes Rishabh Pant may struggle to secure a spot in India’s T20 World Cup middle order due to the presence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Rishabh Pant’s quickfire 88* off 43 balls for Delhi Capitals fueled speculation about his inclusion in India’s T20 World Cup squad. While many believe Pant has timed his performance perfectly, former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull disagrees. Doull suggested that Pant might struggle to find a place in the middle order, especially with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli already there.
Doull also acknowledged Pant’s talent but questioned his suitability for a power-hitting role in modern T20 cricket. He emphasized that Pant is more than just a slogger, highlighting his ability to build innings and excel in Test cricket.
“He’s getting closer. Can he bat at 3? Because I go back to the team I’m looking at (for the T20 World Cup), and he doesn’t fit in the middle-order. If he can, he’s getting a step closer to the boarding pass,” Doull told Cricbuzz.
“He’s a better player than a slogger or hitter. He comes, and he eases his way into his innings. That’s why I say he’s a terrific Test player. He’s a fine batter. But I don’t think he’s a player who comes out and starts slogging, not in modern-day T20 cricket. That’s why his numbers aren’t nowhere near as good as they possibly should. So, my question is, could he bat at 3 behind the skipper and Virat (Kohli)?” he added.
Doull further suggested Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Ravindra Jadeja for the lower-order slots. Despite Pant’s stunning performance, competition for the wicketkeeping role remains intense, with Sanju Samson and Dinesh Karthik also in contention. The selectors will confer with Indian captain Rohit Sharma soon to finalize the 15-member squad before the May 1 deadline.
READ ALSO | BCCI Selectors and Rohit Sharma to Meet on April 28 for Finalizing T20 World Cup Squad: Reports
Last Updated on April 25, 2024
Senior Sports Copywriter
