Dinesh Karthik, India’s keeper-batter in the T20I format, recently told Cricbuzz that he would like Rishabh Pant to open for India in the T20I format. Pant, who is currently not a regular member of the Indian team, has been tried in a variety of roles. However, he has yet to stamp his authority on any of them.
With India’s openers consistently failing in big tournaments, many have called for a reshuffling of the Indian batting lineup. Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that Rishabh Pant should not be India’s first choice if such a reshuffling occurs. Chopra stated on his YouTube channel that Prithvi Shaw would be his first choice if the team needed an explosive opener.
“The first option which comes to my mind is Prithvi Shaw. The guy is naturally destructive, he is disruptive. A lot of people turn back and say that he is not fit, I am saying check his numbers, he is the guy who just takes off,” Chopra said.
“If you want a rocket start, he is an absolute rocket, he simply flies. I am not saying he will fly in every match. Buttler, Hales or anyone else is also not seen flying in every match,” he further added.
Shaw had an outstanding domestic season but was not selected for India’s 2022 squad. Former head selector Chetan Sharma stated during the 20-20 World Cup that Shaw will be given his due in the future.
He goes into a different scheme of things: Aakash Chopra
In the meantime, Chopra wants “destructive batter” Ishan Kishan to open the batting along with Shaw. The broadcaster pointed out that Kishan can change his playing style if the team needs it at any point.
“At No. 2, I think about Ishan Kishan, a short left-handed destructive batter. Once in a while, he goes into a different scheme of things. When he was with the Mumbai Indians and there was some pressure on him, he started to take singles and play a new role,” Chopra further added on his choices.
