Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has now added his name to the long list of pundits who have voiced out their opinion on the hot debate involving the status of Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in the national squad.
Both Rishabh and Karthik were named in the 2022 T20 World Cup squad that India announced a week ago.
Gavaskar urges India to TAKE RISKS with Rishabh Pant and DK
If you have not followed the recent games of Indian side, it is worth noting that both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik played in most of the games this year.
However, the wk-batter duo wasn’t played together in a single game during the 2022 Asia Cup.
The side alternated between Pant and DK based on the overall combination of the side for specific matches.
Men in Blue’s cricket head coach Dravid had quoted, “There’s no 1st choice wicket-keeper in the side. We play (them) according to the conditions, the situation, opposition and what we feel is the best eleven”.
Nonetheless, Sunil Gavaskar wants the side to take a risk and play both of them together.
In an exclusive with Sports Tak, Sunil opined, “I’d play both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik. Pant at Number 5, No.6 Hardik Pandya or the vice-versa.
“I would bat Dinesh Karthik at No. 7. I’d go with Hardik and 4 other proper options as bowlers.”
“If you (India) do not take risks, how will you win? You need to take risk in all departments then only can get rewards,” said Sunil Gavaskar.
Regardless of the combination Dravid and co. decide to go with, Gavaskar’s bold verdict on the matter seems to make sense.
The batting fire-power will increase considerably if India plays both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik.
However, the call comes with increased pressure on Hardik to deliver with the ball.