Former England captain Nasser Hussain feels that Team India will be strengthened with Rishabh Pant’s inclusion in the playing XI as well. Notably, he has been added to the team in the team’s final Super 12 encounter against Zimbabwe, replacing Dinesh Karthik.
However, Pant has been taken as a backup option ever since Karthik’s comeback. Karthik’s expertise and credibility in the finishing role helped him get chances in the tournament as well. But, he failed to do well with the bat and Pant’s inclusion in the final game is justified too as well.
While speaking to Sky Sports Cricket, the former England skipper said: “India may even get stronger because there are rumors that Rishabh Pant might come in. Obviously, DK is one of the all-time players to play for India, but Pant’s record against England is phenomenal, he plays Adil Rashid very well and is very good square of the wicket. So, Pant will be a threat if he plays.”
However, Rishabh Pant did not do well in his return to international cricket after being dismissed for three against Zimbabwe, courtesy of a stunner from Ryan Burl. But, despite having a poor outing, India head coach Rahul Dravid backed the youngster prior to the semi-final clash.
Meanwhile, The Indian team secured their first two points with a nail-biting win over Pakistan as well. Claiming that the Rohit Sharma-led side are definitely not invincible by any means, Hussain said:
“India have a formidable line-up, but only two of them are in form at the moment and they lost to South Africa as well. They only just got over the line against Pakistan, so they definitely can be beaten.”
On the other hand, former England captain Michael Atherton also stated how the evolved relationship dynamics among players across opposing camps leave an impact as well.
“I’m routinely made aware of the fact that how close the players are in opposing teams. Often you see them at the end of the game, after the presentation and everything, you see little groups standing around.”
However, India will take on England in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 on Thursday, November 10, at the Adelaide Oval.
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