Rishabh Pant’s position remained unchanged when India faced Australia in the first T20I on Tuesday in Mohali. Rohit Sharma chose Dinesh Karthik over Pant, whose place in India’s T20I lineup has been contentious. Nathan Ellis caught Karthik LBW and dismissed him for 6 off 5 balls, which was not the result India had hoped for. Karthik’s recent run of low T20I scores continues, with his last four innings totaling 7, 6, and 1 not out.
Karthik and Pant have been the focus of India’s competition for the wicketkeeper position. They were used alternately during the Asia Cup, but neither batter received a long at-bat. Despite the fact that both have been chosen for India’s T20 World Cup team, it appears that Karthik may have a slight advantage due to managerial bias. Matthew Hayden, a former Australia opener, disagrees and believes Pant is essential for India in all three formats, regardless of the situation.
During the first T20I against Australia, former Australian opener Matthew Hayden commented, “If I were the selector, Rishabh Pant would be picked in every side.” He is simply the future. He requires assistance and time. In my opinion, he should be present, whether through runs or form. “He is a better player in almost every way and aspect,” Hayden said on the air during the first T20I. ”
In his assessment of Australia’s Playing XI, Hayden singled out Josh Inglis for praise, comparing him to David Warner and urging other young players to fill the void left by Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, and Mitchell Marsh.
Hayden said, “They are a depleted side but the reality of it is that they have got to dig deep. We have got to look toward what is next in the line-up. Young Inglis is such an exciting and young player. He is almost like a mirror image of David Warner. He is a right-handed version. He cuts, he pulls, he lays back and when it comes his way, he hits it through the on-side. He is also a very good powerful player.”
