In future T20 International games, former Indian hitter Robin Uthappa believes Rishabh Pant should bat higher in the order. The youthful wicketkeeper-batter has not performed well in the middle order and has occasionally had trouble making the starting lineup. Pant participated in two T20 World Cup games but was unable to express himself. Pant should either open or bat at number three for the Indian team, according to Uthappa, who cited his stellar performance in the Indian Premier League.
“The next (T20) World Cup is in two years’ time. So keeping the conditions there in mind, I feel Rishabh Pant should bat in the top 3. If you look at his IPL records, his best performances have come when he has opened or when he has batted at No. 3. So, you have to give him the opportunity to become a match-winner in that position. I think Dinesh Karthik might not play for India again. So you can groom the likes of Sanju Samson, Rahul Tripathi and Deepak Hooda for the finisher’s role. Umran Malik is a bowler who can definitely play,” Uthappa said.
Pant will once again serve as the franchise’s manager after the Delhi Capitals decided to keep him on for the upcoming Indian Premier League season. During the white-ball series against New Zealand, the 25-year-old will now be seen in action. India will play three T20Is and the same number of ODIs, with the first match taking place in Wellington on Friday. Pant will serve as the vice-captain for the tour of Australia.