Top order is damaged if Karthik gets to bat against top teams: Rashid Latif critical of India 

Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant batting together

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has made some serious claims regarding India's batting approach and form, which might cause them problems ahead. 

Considering the T20I World Cup is months away, Latif said India might lose if the pair of Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant are at the crease for the last 12 balls. The claims are made after the duo famously managed to help India clinch the ODI series against England in the final match of the series.

Going a step ahead, Latif hit out at India's middle-order batter Dinesh Karthik saying he won't be able to replicate his heroics in the mega event against quality sides like Australia and Pakistan. He pointed out that if India requires Karthik to bat, that will mean the top order has failed to perform its job. 

Rashid Latif questions India's batting

"In franchise cricket, he is fine, but when it comes to playing for India, they have 3 to 4 quality batters. How and where will he (Karthik) bat in those 20 overs. But yes, if after him, it comes down to Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant playing the last 12 balls, India are losing the game.

"So, I believe that till franchise cricket, it is fine – he has a free hand there – but if against international teams like Pakistan and Australia, he is getting to bat, it means that the top order is damaged." 

India should look to focus on their strengths

Rather than focusing on someone's opinion, India should set their eyes on the upcoming global event and plan accordingly, keeping in mind the conditions and their strengths at core.

ALSO READ: Eoin Morgan upbeat about England's chances in T20 World Cup