Selecting Karthik over Pant is a mistake, says Gautam Gambhir

The Indian team will take on Pakistan in a high-octane clash in the T20 World Cup on Sunday.

Naturally, there is huge amount of speculation on what will be India’s likely playing 11.

One of the big debates has been the Rishabh Pant vs Dinesh Karthik debate.

Former batter Gautam Gambhir has given his point of view on this contentious matter.

Gambhir says he would pick Rishabh Pant over Dinesh Karthik in the team’s playing XI.

Karthik was given the nod ahead of Pant during the Asia Cup last month, as well as the home series’ against Australia and South Africa.

“In my playing XI, Rishabh Pant should play at No.5, Hardik Pandya at no.6, and Axar Patel at no.7.”

“But what we have seen in the practice matches, Dinesh Karthik will play. But a player is not picked to play just 10 balls.”

“You should pick a player so that he can bat at No.5 or 6. But Dinesh Karthik has not shown that intention.”

“He and the team management have shown the intention that he will bat only in the last 2-3 overs and that can be dangerous because in Australia, if you lose early wickets, you might have to send in Axar Patel early because you also wouldn’t want to expose Hardik early.”

“That is why I picked Pant in my playing XI. But again that won’t happen.” Gambhir added.

Gambhir’s point is certainly valid.

After all, Karthik is used to playing only a few balls and in case, India lose early wickets, the decision to go with Karthik can backfire.