The 20-20 world cup is just around the corner and the teams are preparing their lineup for the marquee event. The Indian team is also finalizing their squad in the ongoing Asia Cup. After the tournament, India have two more series against Australia and South Africa respectively. The one constant question that has kept the team management desperately searching for an answer is who to choose between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant.
The former Australian cricketer Brad Hogg recently shared his views on team India’s selection conundrum. Hogg posted a video on his Instagram account where he said that he would pick Karthik over Pant as he has a better strike rate and average than Pant. He further said that Karthik has a better range of shots required in the death overs against the seamers.
“I’m going with Karthik for his better strike rate and average. Yes, Pant has scored two more fifties. But where are they going to bat in this lineup? It’s lower down the order and there’s not much spin there. Pant’s a better player of spin bowling, he can use his feet. But he also uses the sweep shot as well. Karthik just goes for the sweep shot,” Hogg said.
“But in those final four overs, it’s pace on the ball. Karthik has got a better range of shots where he can play both sides of the wicket, both of the back foot and front foot. But he can also ramp both sides of the wicket as well. Very hard to control in those final overs. With that high strike rate at that back end which is required. Being able to come in and hit from ball one Karthik is definitely the man for the job,” the former Australian wrist spinner added.
View this post on Instagram
The Indian team went with Dinesh Karthik over Rishabh Pant in their opening match of the Asia Cup against Pakistan. Pant returned to the side in the second match against Hong Kong. Karthik has made a strong case for himself with his stupendous performance in this year’s Indian T20 League. Whereas Pant has failed to grab whatever opportunities he’s got. It will be interesting to see who will team management back in the upcoming world cup.
