Former Indian Cricketer Perplexed By Rishabh Pant’s Exclusion Against Pakistan. Saba Karim wondered how a “X-Factor” player like Rishabh Pant could be kept out of India’s starting lineup.
Rishabh Pant did not make the starting XI as India defeated Pakistan in a low-scoring thriller in their Asia Cup match on Sunday. With KL Rahul returning to the side and Dinesh Karthik taking over behind the stumps. The wicketkeeper-batter left on the bench. Saba Karim, a former India player and selector, stated that there appears to be no place for the flamboyant southpaw in India’s playing XI at the moment, but he was perplexed as to why the management would leave out a “X-Factor” player like Pant.
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Saba Karim wonder why the management would leave out a “X-Factor” player like Pant
“I believe the Indian team management has decided to have Dinesh Karthik at least for the Asia Cup, which is why they want to use Ravindra Jadeja as a floater. So, we saw him move up to number four in his last game, and we may see that happen more frequently as the game progresses because Jadeja brings a different kind of dimension “Saba Karim spoke to Sports18.
“Also, he’s developed into a mature left-hand bat who can bat up the order at number 4 or number 5 and, if necessary, come down the order and score quick runs. As a result, Rishabh Pant currently does not have a spot in the 11 “He continued, saying
“Having said that, I believe Rishabh Pant is an X-Factor candidate. He can win games for you in situations where your team has no chance. So why would you want to leave someone like Rishabh Pant out of the starting lineup?” Saba Karim inquired.
Karim said that Pant needs to better his numbers in T20Is, but said the kind of form he has shown in Tests and ODIs means he can add value in the shortest format as well.
“That is the conundrum from which Rishabh Pant must emerge. But recently, there have been glimpses of the kind of form he’s shown in Test matches. We saw him play a brilliant one-inning performance against England. Similarly, there have been some outstanding performances “Saba Karim stated
“Maybe not on a consistent basis, but I believe Rishabh Pant still has a lot to learn in T20 cricket. He’s a much better player now, but I believe that with more exposure, Rishabh Pant will gain confidence and add far more value to this T20 side as well “He stated.
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