Rishabh Pant declared 'useless middle-order batter' by R Ashwin; Kohli-Rohit decide Ruturaj Gaikwad’s future

Indian selectors have already sparked an intense debate over the team selection for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand, and now, adding fuel to the fire, Ravichandran Ashwin has openly questioned Rishabh Pant’s role in the current ODI team.

Ravichandran Ashwin Slams Rishabh Pant; Holds Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma Responsible for Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Snub

India will host New Zealand for the three-match ODI series starting January 11. On January 3, the selectors also announced a 15-member squad that included Rishabh Pant, but Ruturaj Gaikwad didn’t find a place despite his stunning form in domestic cricket and hitting a century in his last ODI. This decision didn’t sit well with many, including Ashwin.

Read Also: 'Gautam Gambhir politics won': Ruturaj Gaikwad axed from ODIs as Shreyas Iyer returns, outrage erupts

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The former Indian spinner has bluntly labelled Rishabh Pant as a poor middle-order batter in the ODI setup. Ashwin even hinted that the influence of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma appears to be the deciding factor in Ruturaj Gaikwad's future in the ODI side.

R Ashwin's Blunt Take: "I personally don't think Rishabh Pant can bat in the middle order in white-ball cricket"

The former Indian all-rounder felt that Rishabh Pant’s strengths are better suited to the top order. He believes that the left-handed batter is more effective as a top-three batter and is currently not the right fit for the middle order in the ODIs, so he felt Gaikwad should have been picked for the New Zealand series.

Ravichandran Ashwin said on his YouTube channel, "Who will keep track of Ruturaj Gaikwad's mindset now? At four or five, I am sticking my neck out; his batting against spin and ability to run between wickets and close out an innings is phenomenal. I personally don't think Rishabh Pant can bat in the middle order in white-ball cricket at the moment. I think he is a top-three batter.”

The Ruturaj Gaikwad Advantage

Ashwin pointed out that the real selection fight was between Pant and Gaikwad, as Shreyas Iyer was returning from injury, and he deserved to retain his place in the ODI setup. So, for that spot, the selectors had to pick between a second wicketkeeper and a specialist batter.

The former spinner believed that keeping a batter like Gaikwad would have made more sense, as wicketkeeping cover can be managed more easily than replacing a reliable middle-order player.

Read Also: BCCI fires MISSILES at BCB as Bangladesh threatens to shift T20 World Cup matches from India

Ashwin further explained, “Could Gaikwad have been kept in the squad? I think that was a real possibility. The only spot of contention is between Pant and Gaikwad. It was a straightforward decision. Shreyas Iyer deserved to come back after the injury, so no discussion there. It is his rightful position. The debate is over who goes out. Between a second wicketkeeper and a batter, you can get a keeper from anywhere to cover.”

The Kohli-Rohit Conclave: Shaping India's Future?

Looking at the bigger picture, Ashwin felt that Gaikwad is unlikely to get a long and consistent run as long as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli continue playing the format.

Both senior batters are currently active only in ODIs and are in sublime form, making it tough for Gaikwad to maintain his spot.

Ashwin signed off by saying, “Ruturaj will get a long rope only when Rohit and Kohli decide to hang up their boots. Till then, getting a long run for him is going to be hard.”