T20 World Cup 2022: If you are thinking of bringing Pant back in as a last-minute change, then you are heading in the wrong direction – Aakash Chopra

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes Rishabh Pant should not be brought back into the playing XI in the 11th minute in the T20 World Cup opening match against Pakistan. Pant hasn’t been able to grab his opportunities in the T20I format despite getting ample chances and batting at different positions.

Dinesh Karthik is expected to be part of the starting XI against Pakistan as he has been performing the finisher role with great success.

On the other hand, Pant had batted as an opener in the practice match against Western Australia but could only manage a total of 18 runs in two matches.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said, “What are they doing? Rishabh Pant has been tested at the top order, in the middle order, but you don’t know whether you want to play him or not.”

“If you are thinking of bringing him back in as a last-minute change, then you are heading in the wrong direction. So, India should just stick with these six batters that they have tried out recently.”

On the other hand, former Delhi player feels Ravichandran Ashwin might only play one match in the T20 World Cup and believes Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will be backed by the team management. Axar Patel has done a fine job since he replaced injured Ravindra Jadeja but Chahal has been a bit expensive.

“Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal will be my two spinners. As far as Ashwin is concerned, I only see him playing in one match.”

“There will be a thought process that Ashwin could feature against Pakistan because of his experience and to bowl against Fakhar Zaman, but I would still stick with Axar and Chahal.”

Meanwhile, India won their first warm-up match against Australia by six runs at the Gabba, Brisbane on Monday.

India will take on Pakistan on Sunday at the MCG.