IND vs BAN: Rishabh Pant To Be Part Of India XI vs Bangladesh As Dinesh Karthik's Replacement, KL Rahul Likely To Retain His Place

The 25-year-old India National Cricket Team wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is most likely to replace the 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik in the playing XI in India’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 match against Bangladesh National Cricket Team. Also, the out-of-form opener KL Rahul is expected to retain his place in the playing XI, as per a report in the Indian express.

The 35th match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 is set to be played between Rohit Sharma-led India National Cricket Team and Shakib Al Hasan-led Bangladesh National Cricket Team at the Adelaide Oval on Wednesday, November 2.

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Karthik sustained a back spasm during the India-South Africa clash at the Optus Stadium in Perth. At the end of the 15th over of the South Africa innings, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter was seen writhing in pain as he clutched his back and was on his knees.

The physio immediately came out to check on the veteran player and after a few minutes, Karthik was seen walking off the field while holding his back. Also, Pant took over the wicket-keeping responsibility in the absence of Karthik for the last 5 overs.

Rishabh Pant To Play His First Game In T20 World Cup 2022 vs Bangladesh

Although Karthik has not been fully ruled out and he participated in the practice session in Perth, the Indian team management has reportedly decided to rest Karthik and include Pant in the playing XI. Notably, Pant will be playing his first game in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 against Bangladesh.

Karthik, who is the designated wicket-keeper and the finisher of the Indian team, has failed to impress with his performances in the two innings he has batted in the multi-nation tournament. In the first game against Pakistan, he got dismissed after scoring just 1 run and against South Africa, he scored just 6 runs.

Meanwhile, the inclusion of Pant in the playing XI in place of Karthik will lead to opener KL Rahul retaining his place at the top order. Notably, many wanted Rahul to be replaced by Pant at the top order after the back-to-back failures of the 30-year-old. So far Rahul has registered scores of 4, 9, and 9 in three matches.

Also Read: IND vs BAN: Hopeful That India Will Play Final Of T20 World Cup 2022 – Ex-BCCI President Sourav Ganguly