Explained: Why Rishabh Pant Should Replace KL Rahul In Playing XI Vs New Zealand

Anurag Dasgupta

Pant to replace KL Rahul? [Source: AP Photo]Pant to replace KL Rahul? [Source: AP Photo]

The last group stage match of the Champions Trophy is almost upon us as India will take on New Zealand in a crucial match which would decide who finishes at the top of the group. The two teams are unbeaten in the tournament so far and will look to seal a top spot as a morale booster ahead of the semi-finals.

There were reports that captain, Rohit Sharma was injured and could possibly miss the clash vs New Zealand. However, he is fit to go, but India are likely to make a couple of changes for this dead rubber match.

They could possibly bring in Arshdeep Singh in place of Mohammed Shami, as they need the senior pacer to be fit for the semis. They could also make one interesting change by bringing in Rishabh Pant to replace KL Rahul and here's why.

1) To counter Mitch Santner

Rishabh Pant stats Vs left-arm spin (since 2023)

Criterion
Data
Innings8
Runs168
Balls129
Dismissals3
Strike-rate130

The data is specifically for Tests, since Pant hasn't played a lot of ODIs and T20Is since his comeback. In 8 innings, he has 168 runs, and strikes at 130, something which India probably need to counter their biggest threat - Mitch Santner.

All the batters in the top 6 are right-handers, and it will make Santner's job easy as right-handers might find it difficult to attack a left-arm spinner. Team India have tried Axar Patel at number 5, but if KL Rahul cannot bat at his usual number 5 spot, then there is no need to play him.

Instead, play a proper batter at number 5 as he can easily take down Mitch Santner and as the numbers suggests, he relishes the battle against left-arm spin.

2) To provide the X-factor in the side

The Dubai surface in the first two matches was slow and sluggish and batters were finding it hard to attack the bowlers. This is where Pant will come into equation as he can be given the license to go for the attack and it could rattle the New Zealand bowlers.

He has an ODI strike-rate of 106 and Pant could be the X-factor as the Kiwi bowlers, unlike Pakistan and Bangladesh are street smart and will use the conditions wisely. Hence, India need to be two steps ahead of them and for it, they need Pant, who can dismantle opposition's game-plan with ease.