Former New Zealand cricketer Simon Doull suggested the new batting position for Rishabh Pant in the Indian team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He believes that the goalkeeper-batsman does not fit in the team’s middle order and should take the no. 3rd place in the XI.
Delhi Capitals (DC) captain Rishabh Pant seems to be a clear favorite to secure a place in the Indian team for the 2024 T20 World Cup. Given the performance he has shown in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, it is fair to say that he would be the first choice goalkeeper for the team in this mega event.
Rishabh Pant, who made a comeback after a horrific accident in IPL 2024, looked ominous in the tournament. He has single-handedly led the Delhi Capitals batting line-up in the tournament and is making sure to give great entertainment to his fans like before.
Rishabh Pant achieved his best performance in the game against Gujarat Titans. He wreaked havoc on the opposition bowling line-up and ensured his team posted a total score of over 220. The batsman scored 88 runs off just 43 balls and helped his team win.
Rishabh Pant is the third-highest run-getter in IPL 2024 with 342 runs. There have been various reports claiming that the Delhi Capitals captain is the first-choice wicket-keeper and batsman in the Indian team for the T20 World Cup 2024 to be held in to be held in June.
Simon Doull believes Rishabh Pant is close to his best with the bat. However, he thinks the keeper-batter should bat at third because he is a better player than a slogger or hitter. Speaking about this, he stated:
“He’s getting closer. Can he hit at 3? Because I’m going back to the team I’m eyeing (for the T20 World Cup) and he doesn’t fit in the middle order. If he can, he’ll get one.” Move closer to the boarding pass. He is a better player than a hitter or batsman.
Could he bat at 3 behind the skipper and Virat (Kohli)? – Simon Doull on Rishabh Pant
Simon Doull also praised Rishabh Pant as a great player and said that the keeper-batsman is not the type of player who can get straight off the ball. The cricketer-turned-commentator believes Pant should bat after Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. He stated:
“That’s why I say he’s a great Test player. He is a good batsman. But I don’t think he is a player who will come out and start batting, not in modern T20 cricket. That’s why his numbers aren’t nearly as high as they probably should be. So my question is, could he bat at 3 behind the skipper and Virat (Kohli)?”
While Pant will be the first choice goalkeeper in the team, the competition for the second goalkeeper in the team remains between KL Rahul and Sanju Samson in the team. It is learned that the Lucknow Super Giants captain may get the nod ahead of the Rajasthan Royals captain.