IND vs ENG: Ashley Giles Believes That When KL Rahul Returns To The Top, I Do Not See The Idea Of Opening With Rishabh Pant

Ashley Giles, the former head of the England and Wales Cricket Board, stated that if India is going to open with KL Rahul when he comes back from injury, it makes absolutely no sense to enhance Rishabh Pant to the top of the lineup.

In the second and third Twenty20 Internationals against England, India took a name out of a hat by selecting Rishabh Pant to begin the batting. In his brief knock in the second T20I, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter did not exactly light the world on fire, but he did demonstrate the destruction he is capable of.

As Pant will bat in the middle order during the T20 World Cup, the Indian team management should instead offer him more opportunities to bat in that position.

“By keeping that pressure on the entire time, they have undoubtedly demonstrated that they can succeed with this template. We have seen DK bat as a finisher whether Pant hits at the top or in the middle.”

“The current state of affairs is kind of irrelevant. I do not see the sense in continuing since I know Rahul would finish first. For me, it would have been preferable if they had allowed Pant to bat in the middle and given him that opportunity before the World Cup,” speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Giles.

‘Virat is one of the best players of the game’: Ashley Giles

Ashley Giles responded that Virat Kohli is a “world-class” player and there are no concerns about his spot on the team in any format when asked about the concerns being voiced about his status in the Indian limited-overs setup.

“I do not believe Virat Kohli’s position is in jeopardy. He is an expert. He is one of the top players in the game and has a solid track record. I do believe that some adjustments can be made to his batting position “said Ashley Giles.

Due to a groin injury sustained in the third T20I, Kohli is unlikely to play in the first ODI against India, which begins on Tuesday.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: My Aim Is World Cup – Shikhar Dhawan Ready To Prove Doubters Wrong In England ODIs