Sehwag questions Karthik’s selection, pitches for Rishabh Pant

India started their T20 World Cup campaign with wins against Pakistan and Netherlands.

However, they were overpowered by a competitive South African side at the Optus stadium in Perth.

Naturally, every defeat leads to soul-searching and leads to vocal expression of opinions by cricket fans and ex-players.

One such ex-player is Virender Sehwag who has re-ignited the Karthik vs Pant debate.

Till now, Karthik had had an average T20 World Cup.

While against Pakistan he couldn’t close the match, he was out for 15-ball six against South Africa.

Sehwag is very clear that Pant should have been in the playing eleven.

“Ye toh pehle din se hona chahiye tha. Vo vahan Test cricket khele hain, ODI khele hain aur perform kiya hai.”

“Dinesh Karthik kab Australia me khele hain? Ye koi Bangalore ki wicket nahi hai. Main aaj bhi ye hi keh raha tha ki Hooda ki jagah Pant ko khilaate, unko vahan khelne ka anubhav hai.”

“Unhone Gabba ka ghamand toda hai Australia ka.”

(This should have been the case from the first day. Pant has played Tests and ODIs there, and has performed. When did Dinesh Karthik last play in Austrlaia? This isn’t a Bangalore wicket. I said this even today that Pant should’ve been in the team instead of Hooda, Pant has the experience of playing here. His Gabba innings is a legend),” Sehwag said.

“Main yahan bas rai de sakta hu, baaki management jisko bhi khilaaye.”

“Agle match me problem unki hai, agar Karthik fit hote hain toh same scenario pe jaayenge.”

“Meri nazar me Rishabh Pant pehle bhi hone chahiye the.”

(I can only give them suggestion, it’s the management’s decision. If Karthik is fit, they will go back to him again. But according to me, Rishabh Pant should’ve been in the XI from the start),” said Sehwag further.