IND V ENG: 'If They Want A Finisher..” MSK Prasad Says Difficult To Choose Between Rishabh Pant And Dinesh Karthik For Semi-Final Vs England

Former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad feels the Indian team management will find it “difficult and tricky” to make the right choice between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in their T20 World Cup semifinal against England in Adelaide on Thursday.

Indian team has preferred Dinesh Karthik as the finisher-cum-keeper over Rishabh Pant, barring the Zimbabwe match. While Dinesh Karthik has not fired with the bat, and his keeping has been somewhat splotchy; Rishabh Pant got out to a wonderful catch by Ryan Burl, but was brilliant behind the stumps.

Now India faces the dilemma of choosing between the two for the tough match against England which will be played at the Adelaide Oval. While Karthik brings in his specialist finishing talents with the bat, Pant can be used as a pinch hitter given that he is a left-handed batter.

It Will Be Interesting To See Who Finally Gets The Nod: MSK Prasad On Rishabh Pant V Dinesh Karthik Debate

MSK Prasad, a former India wicketkeeper-batter, who has experience of playing in Australia during the 1999-00 tour, said that it remains to be seen whom between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik, the Indian team management goes with against the England attack.

“The key debate or issue on Thursday will be what the captain and coach want in their playing XI. If they want a left-hander in the top order to unsettle England they might go for Pant as he is a great option. But if they want a finisher they might consider Karthik for the job. Definitely, this is the only debate or issue before the team. It will be interesting to see who finally gets the nod. The rest of the team I am sure will remain the same,” Prasad told PTI.

The former wicketkeeper batter said the performance of India’s top-order will play a crucial role when they face 2010 champions England. He said that Rohit Sharma is due for a big one and KL Rahul and Virat Kohli need to continue with their demolishing form against the quick England bowlers and skillful spinners.

“There is no clear or outright favourites for the second semi-final. Both teams are equally good. For India, the performance of the top order will be crucial. India must get a solid opening partnership. I think captain Rohit Sharma will have to lead from the front. He is a big match player and I have a feeling that a big inning is due from him. Rahul will have to give him good support and Virat Kohli must continue with his ominous form in the tournament. If two of the top three fire, India will have a very good chance to get the better of England,” Prasad added.

The winner of this match will face off against Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2022 final in MCG on Sunday.

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