IND vs NZ: "I Feel He Should Bat At Top Three, He Should Either Open Or Bat At Number Three" - Robin Uthappa Backs Rishabh Pant In Top Order

India were knocked out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 after a 10-wicket defeat against England in the semi-finals at the Adelaide Oval. The Rohit Sharma-led team managed to score 168 for the loss of six wickets at the end of 20 overs, but England chased down the target in just 16 overs without losing a wicket.

Rohit Sharma has scored 116 runs in six games at an average of 19.33 and, barring a knock of 53 against the Netherlands, has failed to impress with the bat on other occasions. Along with Rohit, KL Rahul has faced a lot of criticism for failing against tougher opponents. India’s highest score of the tournament in the power play was 46 runs against Zimbabwe, and they failed to cross the 40-run mark in the remaining matches.

After yet another disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, the future of some players is in question. India preferred Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant but had to opt for the left-armer against Zimbabwe. He remained in India’s XI for the semi-finals, but got off just four balls before sacrificing his wicket for Hardik Pandya.

Rishabh Pant Should Bat At Top Three – Robin Uthappa

Former Indian batsman Robin Uthappa told Sportskeeda that Rishabh Pant should bat in the top three in the T20 World Cup. He said Pant’s success at the top of the order justified his selection.

“The next World Cup will be held in West Indies and USA in 2024. If we look at the conditions there, I feel Rishabh Pant should bat at top three. I feel he should either open or bat at number three,” said Uthappa.

“If you look at his IPL records, he’s performed the best when he has batted in the top three. When he’s opened or batted at number three, that’s where he has played his best cricket. If a player is successful and a match winner in Test or ODI cricket, then you should definitely let him play at that position. You have to nurture the talent and ability and give him the opportunity to become a match-winner at that place,” he added.

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant has scored 486 runs while batting in the top three with an average of 34.7 and a strike rate of 162 in the Indian Premier League.

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