Asia Cup 2022: India urged to let Rishabh Pant open the innings

Rishabh Pant in action for Team India (PC: Twitter)

Parthiv Patel feels the Indian team management should find space in the playing XI for wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant. Moreover, the former Indian wicketkeeper has also stated that the youngster should be opening the innings for the ‘Men in Blue’.

Pant was benched from India’s opening Asia Cup 2022 clash against Pakistan. Seasoned campaigner Dinesh Karthik was favoured as the wicketkeeper in the playing XI instead. The 24-year-old cricketer returned to the side for the next match, which saw India defeat Hong Kong by 40 runs.

Parthiv Patel wants team to find opening slot for Pant

While speaking on Cricbuzz, former Indian cricketer Parthiv Patel claimed that Pant is an impact player who can change the course of the match on his own. He added that the young wicketkeeper-batsman has improved his game and deserves a place in India’s starting XI.

“You will have to create space for Rishabh Pant in the playing XI because he is one of those players who can change a game on his own. His performance has improved a lot in the past year and there should be space for him in the team.”

The former cricketer also stated that Pant should open the innings for India in place of KL Rahul, considering the latter has just recovered from an injury and a T20I World Cup is around the corner.

India’s Super Four campaign beckons

Rohit Sharma’s draw-cards will now commence their Super Four crusade in Dubai on September 4. They will face either Sri Lanka or Bangladesh at the venue, depending on the outcome of the final Group B clash between the two nations.

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