T20 World Cup 2022: 'If You Do Not Take Risk, How Will You Win?': Sunil Gavaskar's Blunt Verdict On Rishabh Pant vs Dinesh Karthik In India's T20 WC Playing XI

It has been a week since the T20 World Cup roster for the Indian side was revealed. Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant have both been selected as alternatives for the wicketkeeping position.

The tournament will take place in Australia next month. But many seasoned players and industry professionals are uncertain about who will be the Indian team’s main choice in the World Cup. Sunil Gavaskar, a former captain of India, has since jumped on board to weigh in on the discussion. 

Dinesh Karthik’s comeback to the Indian squad following a successful IPL 2022 season with Royal Challengers Bangalore has allowed India to use both Pant and Karthik for most of the summer’s games.

I Would Play Both Rishabh Pant And Dinesh Karthik: Sunil Gavaskar

However, the debate was started when Pant was benched in the Asia Cup opening last month in favour of the 37-year-old. Though Pant ultimately ended up having more opportunities during the competition, the argument was still brought up in conversations and re-ignited once the World Cup roster was revealed. 

Gavaskar defended the inclusion of both in the playing XI in an interview with Sports Tak, saying that India must take risks in all areas to reap the benefits. 

“I would play both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. At No.5, Rishabh Pant, No.6 Hardik Pandya or the vice-versa and I’ll play Dinesh Karthik at No.7.

I would give with Hardik and four other options as bowlers. If you do not take risk, how will you win? You need to take risk in all departments then only you can get rewards,” he said. 

There’s No First-choice Wicket-keeper In The Side: Rahul Dravid

This controversy was made public earlier this month by India head coach Rahul Dravid before his side faced Pakistan in the Super 4 match of the Asia Cup 2022. 

“There’s no first choice wicketkeeper in the side… We play according to the conditions, situation, opposition and what we feel is the best XI. There’s no such a thing as first choice playing XI for every single condition. That will vary. On that day against Pakistan, we felt Dinesh was the right choice for us,” he had said. 

“It’s very difficult to leave out anyone, but we are focused on picking the best XI. We have a little bit of squad culture i:n our side who believe that we have a very good squad of XV and anyone can play,” Dravid added. 

Also Read: BCCI Set To Introduce Substitute ‘Impact Player’ In Its T20 Tournaments, Including IPL