Robin Uthappa gives verdict on Dinesh Karthik vs Rishabh Pant debate


image-la5gaxzpRishabh Pant keeping against Zimbabwe[Source: AP]

Dinesh Karthik's struggle in the ongoing T20 World Cup saw him eventually losing his place to Rishabh Pant in the final Super-12 contest of team India against Zimbabwe in Adelaide on Sunday. 

Karthik, who came into the T20 World Cup on the back of some stellar performances, failed to get going in the showpiece event in Australia, scoring just 1, 6, and 7 against Pakistan, South Africa, and Bangladesh, respectively. 

His back-to-back failures in the marquee tournament have led to many cricket experts and pundits questioning his spot in the team. While the debate is still on, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa weighed in on the issue and gave his verdict.

During an interaction with ESPNCricinfo, Uthappa stated that the Rohit Sharma-led team India should persist with Rishabh Pant in the upcoming semi-final fixture against England on November 10 at Adelaide.  

On being asked whether India can use Rishabh Pant as a floater rather than going with Dinesh Karthik, who prefers batting after 15 overs, here's what Uthappa said: 

"Yes, absolutely! Especially in Adelaide, given the square boundaries that are as small as they can be in Australia, and with Adil Rashid there, I think Rishabh Pant would be the best option for team India."  

Rishabh Pant had a poor outing against Zimbabwe, being dismissed for just three runs off five balls. So, it will be intriguing to see if India persist with the Delhi batter or go back to the experience of their senior keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik.


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