According to R Sridhar, who served as the fielding coach for Team India in the past, believes that Rishabh Pant playing as an opener in Twenty20 Internationals would be a huge benefit for the Men in Blue. In his opinion, the team should allow the wicketkeeper-batter some time to succeed in his new position before making any decisions about him.
Sridhar was of the opinion that it would also make things easier for Rohit Sharma since the emphasis of the other teams would be on formulating preparations for Rishabh Pant.
It was stated by the 52-year-old that asking Pant to open was pretty comparable to asking Sachin Tendulkar to move to the top of the order in white-ball cricket. According to him, this action has the potential to be remembered as one of the most important events in the history of Indian cricket.
What did R Sridhar say about Rishabh Pant?
On the YouTube channel for cricket.com/tv, he made the following statement:
“It’s a brilliant decision for a number of reasons, but first and foremost because it will provide him more freedom. It will also provide us with a left-right combination, which is quite important as we go towards major events. Since most of the focus is now on Rishabh, it will be easier for Rohit Sharma to score if he comes in and begins the batting. In the bowling meetings, teams will be discussing how to bowl to Rishabh in the powerplay, which will hopefully free up some room for Rohit to do what he does best. It is a step in the right direction, and it makes me think of someone who promoted Sachin Tendulkar to the opening spot in 1994.
It has the potential to be a defining event in India’s white-ball cricket history. We can’t give up on him; even if he doesn’t respond right away, we have to keep pressing him.”
Rishabh Pant is set to play as an opener with Rohit Sharma in the forthcoming five-match Twenty20 International series against West Indies, just as he did during India’s tour of England, while KL Rahul has been ruled out of participating in the series due to injury.
In his two Twenty20 International games as the opener against England earlier this month, the left-handed batsman posted scores of 26 and 1.
There will be five Twenty20 Internationals between India and the West Indies. On Friday, the first match of the series will begin at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad. The first match will take place on June 29 in Trinidad.
Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant, two senior players for India’s cricket team, will get their first opportunities to compete against the West Indies in a Twenty20 International after being benched for the ODI matches.
