IND vs SA: "There Is One Problem, That Is About Rishabh Pant" - Aakash Chopra
Published - 19 Jun 2022, 01:48 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:09 AM
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Rishabh Pant’s disappointing performances are Team India’s biggest concern moving into the last T20I against South Africa, according to Aakash Chopra.
Pant has only 57 runs at a lowly 14.25 average and a strike rate of 105.55 in four games. The stand-in Indian captain will be looking to make a significant impact in the series finale, which will be played on Sunday, June 19 in Bengaluru.
Rishabh Pant’s Form A Concern For Team India: Aakash Chopra
Chopra identified the lack of runs from Pant’s willow as Team India’s biggest worry coming into Sunday’s game in a video posted to his YouTube channel. He elaborated:
“There is one problem, that is about Rishabh Pant. What about Pant’s form because the Indian team has plenty of wicketkeeping options now. Ishan Kishan is doing well up the order although he might also not have a place in the XI when Rahul comes back.”
Team India currently has a multitude of wicketkeeper-batter possibilities, according to the cricketer-turned-commentator. Chopra explained:
“Rahul himself is a keeper, he gives you a lot of versatility. The gun form Dinesh Karthik is in, he is also a keeper, but he is playing as a batter. Rishabh Pant, who is the captain of the team at the moment, he is the keeper, so you have got four choices.”
Rishabh Pant Unable To Decode Game Plans Bowlers Using Against Him: Aakash Chopra
In the last T20I against South Africa, Pant will undoubtedly be scrutinised. While the swashbuckling cricketer provides Team India with a much-needed left-handed alternative in the middle order, he will need to improve his consistency if he wants to make the T20 World Cup team.
Chopra was particularly irritated by Pant’s frequent dismissals in very identical manners. He observed:
“India’s best batters being seen in T20s at the moment are all keepers. It’s an interesting position to be in. More than Rishabh Pant’s form, he is not able to give an answer to the game plan against him, that’s the big question because they are continuously bowling outside off stump and he is getting stuck.”
Indian Cricket Changes Every Week: Aakash Chopra
The 44-year-old ended by cautioning Pant about Indian cricket’s unpredictability. Chopra elaborated:
“He is the captain of the team at the moment but who knows, Indian cricket changes every week. A Friday-released picture is removed from the cinema hall next week if it doesn’t do well, this is Indian cricket boss.
Rishabh Pant will have to get back on the saddle because he will not play in Ireland after this, he needs the form.”
Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shreyas Iyer are two additional hitters who must contribute significantly, according to Chopra.
While noting that the former is likely to receive more opportunities in Ireland, the former Indian batter said that it may be Shreyas’ only chance, given that he is not a member of the Indian team for the Ireland series.
Also Read: IND vs SA: Weather Threatens To Play Spoilsport As Bengaluru Gears Up For Series Decider
