NZ vs IND 2022: Rishabh Pant is becoming a liability for Team India, bring in Sanju Samson – Reetinder Sodhi

Former Indian all-rounder Reetinder Singh believes Rishabh Pant is becoming a liability for team India and he wants the team management to bring in Sanju Samson. Pant was given his chance to open the innings in the three-match T20I series against New Zealand but he once again could not grab it.

The southpaw returned with scores of 6 and 11 in the two matches and could not provide a good start to the team. In fact, Pant hasn’t been able to grab his chances in the shortest format of the game. The left-hander has scored 987 runs in 66 T20I matches at a paltry average of 22.43 and a strike rate of 126.54.

On the other hand, Sanju Samson was not given his chance in the T20I series against New Zealand. Samson has performed consistently in the IPL and he is a treat to the eyes when he gets going.

Reetinder Singh Sodhi said on India News, “He is becoming a liability for Team India. If it’s like this, then bring in Sanju Samson. End of the day, you got to take that chance because you cannot afford to lose and exit in World Cup or ICC tournaments.

“When you give too many chances, problems arise. The time has come to provide opportunities to new guys.”

He continued: “Only time will tell how many opportunities and how long he gets. Time is passing and he really has to tighten his shoes. Everything has a limit. You cannot depend on one player for so long. If he is not performing, you got to show him the exit door.”

Sodhi feels it is time for the Indian team to look beyond Rishabh Pant as he hasn’t been able to deliver the goods.

“We all know Rishabh Pant is a match-winner, but you don’t score runs. You don’t help win your team. You got the opportunity in an important event like World Cup.

“I accept that initially, he didn’t get the opportunity, but whenever you get a chance, your job is to perform, which has not happened. It’s time that selectors think beyond him.”

India will take on New Zealand in the first ODI at Eden Park, Auckland on Friday.