IND vs NZ: Wasim Jaffer Backs Rishabh Pant To Open The Innings Against New Zealand

Indian Cricket Team is all set to clash against New Zealand on 18th November (Friday) for the 1st T20I match. It won’t be wrong to say that this is the start of a new era for the Men in Blue as a lot of players have been rested for the T20I series. India once again succumbed to pressure in the knock-out matches and their wait for the 2nd T20 World Cup trophy continues.

New Zealand in the T20 World Cup 2022 was quite dominant but couldn’t capitalize on key moments. The Black Caps would be hoping to start afresh. New Zealand would be well aware of the fact that they have to be spot-on with their game as India would be ready for all sorts of challenges.

Wasim Jaffer on Rishabh Pant

Wasim Jaffer was having an interaction with ESPNcricinfo and was asked about Rishabh Pant.

“Rishabh Pant to open with Shubman Gill, don’t know if Pant will bat at the no.5 position. The best place to bat him is at the top order. Rishabh Pant has always batted at no.4 or no.5 for India and even for Delhi Capitals and the best place for him to bat is when the field is up. If he gets going then he is a dangerous player,” said Wasim Jaffer.

Rishabh Pant An Asset

As mentioned by Wasim Jaffer, Rishabh Pant is dangerous when he gets the start. The left-handed batter was used as a finisher against England in the Semi Final which didn’t work because he didn’t get ample time in the middle to contribute to the team’s runs. It was quite surprising to see that he wasn’t part of the playing 11 from the start of the T20 WC.

Rishabh Pant is someone who can change the dynamics of the match in a couple of overs. Using him at the top of the order can prove to be decisive as a good power-play of 60-odd runs can change the match. It would be interesting to see whether the management takes this risk against the mighty Kiwis.

Also Read; IND vs NZ: “No Harm In Identifying A New T20I Captain And If His Name Is Hardik Pandya, So Be It”- Ravi Shastri