Just one more game to go before Team India heads into the crucial Super 4s of the Asia Cup 2022, Rohit Sharma’s men take on Hong Kong in their final group fixture. There’s no denying India’s ‘favourites’ tag ahead of the match up but should that prompt the team management to make any changes with the playing XI?
It was Dinesh Karthik who got the nod behind the stumps ahead of Rishabh Pant against Pakistan, a decision that not everyone welcomed. But, should Pant return in the playing XI against Hong Kong?
Former India cricketer-turned-expert, Aakash Chopra, feels a left-hander like Pant should be a part of the team in the middle-order. Speaking of Dinesh Karthik, who has deservedly earned his spot as a ‘finisher’ in the team, Chopra doesn’t feel No. 7 is the most ideal spot for the veteran wicket-keeper batter.
“Can there be any changes done in this match? I feel there is one change that should but will not happen. If you have to play Jaddu (Jadeja) at No. 4 and you need a left-hander at No. 4 for sure, if you can’t do without that, then play Rishabh Pant because, at No. 7, you are doing a grave injustice to Dinesh Karthik also,” Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel.
“What is the gain from batting there? A specialist does not play at No. 7, but I feel that is not going to happen. India are going to go with the same team in this match,” he added.
Despite being of the opinion that Pant should play against Hong Kong, Chopra doesn’t feel a change would be made.
Coming out to bat at No. 7 against Pakistan, Karthik didn’t get to bat for a long period as the game was all but over by the time his turn came. The Tamil Nadu-born cricketer only scored 1 run off 1 ball before Hardik Pandya finished off the chase on the 4th delivery of the last over.
