Ricky Ponting shares his thoughts on the DK-Pant selection debate

Fighting for one spot- DK & Pant. (PC- Twitter)

Rishabh Pant's omission from India's playing XI for their Asia Cup 2022 opening clash against Pakistan made headlines. The news came in as a surprise to many as wouldn't have expected Pant to be left out given his rise at the highest level in recent times, despite Dinesh Karthik also doing well as a finisher in the shortest format.

The selection of Karthik over Pant has opened up a debate in world cricket and it has divided the fans and experts into two sections, where one section is in support of Pant while the other backs DK in the team. 

Ahead of India's big-ticket clash versus Pakistan, on Sunday (September 4) at the Dubai International Stadium, former Australian-captain-turned-expert Ricky Ponting shared his pick among Pant and DK.

“I know his skill set, and I know how much he wants to do well and win games – whether for the Delhi Capitals or India,” said Ricky Ponting.

Ponting further said that the current career-best form of DK makes it challenging for the Indian team management to bench him.

“However, when you look at the balance that India had on that side, you realize it is challenging to leave Karthik out because Dinesh is in career-best form by a huge margin.”

Karthik nudged ahead of Pant in the pecking order with his exemplary performances as a finisher ever since he returned to the T20I set-up after a stunning show in IPL 2022. 

DK for India

He has taken over Pant's place as the first-choice wicket-keeper in the playing eleven as he is almost certain to bat at number six or seven, considering he has been delivering the goods for the Men in Blue.

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