The T20 World Cup 2022 semifinal match versus England is now the Indian team’s only concern after the Super 12s. Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav have been India’s leading batsmen throughout the tournament, with the exception of the match against South Africa, putting in outstanding performances. However, former India head coach Ravi Shastri urges the team to make one alteration in the batting order before the pivotal match against Jos Buttler’s club.
Because of his expertise in “finishing,” veteran wicket-keeper hitter Dinesh Karthik has so far been chosen to bat behind the stumps. Pant received the start in the game against Zimbabwe, but he didn’t capitalise on the chance, leaving after only 3 off 5 balls. Despite this, Shastri wants Pant to take Karthik’s spot against England, particularly given how well the southpaw has played against the opposition in the past. “Dinesh is a lovely team player. But when it comes to a game against England or New Zealand, just seeing their attack, I think you need a robust left-hander who can turn it on, and is a match-winner and a left-hander,” Shastri told the broadcaster Star Sports after India’s victory over Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Highlighting Pant’s impressive knocks against England, Shastri said: “He has done well against England. He recently won a match on his win against England, a one-day game. I would go with Pant, not just because he played here, but because of the X-factor angle, he can bring to the semi-final.” Because of Adelaide’s small square boundaries, where the match would be played on Thursday, Pant’s left-handedness could also prove to be a crucial advantage for India.
“You are playing in Adelaide, short boundaries square, another reason why a left-hander should be there to disrupt the England attack. If you have too many right-handers, there is a sense of sameness to it. England have a nice attack, a varied attack of left-handers and right-handers. “You need a left-hander in your team, who can be dangerous and win you a game in the back overs even if you have lost 3 or 4 wickets at the top,” Shastri asserted. Karthik has had trouble with the bat in the previous games, scoring 1, 6, and 7 in the three matches when he had the chance to bat, while Pant struggled against Zimbabwe.
