T20 World Cup 2022: Rishabh Pant can be the X-factor for India – Suresh Raina

Former Indian batter Suresh Raina feels Rishabh Pant could be the X-factor for the team in the T20 World Cup. Pant has the skills to turn the match on its head but he hasn’t been consistent enough in the T20 format and thus Dinesh Karthik might be preferred ahead of him.

However, Pant has a great record while playing in Australian conditions, especially in the red-ball version. As Ravindra Jadeja has been ruled out with a knee injury, Pant is the only left-hander who can bat between one and six in the batting order.

Pant had recently scored a fine ODI hundred against England but his current T20I form could be a concern.

Raina said while talking to the PTI, “He’s an important player. He has done it (made runs previously) in Australia. He’s scored hundreds there and won the Gabba Test for us. He’s an x-factor because if you see from 1-6, there’s no leftie batter.”

Raina feels a left-hander in the middle order will be handy for the team as a right and left-hand batting combination always disturbs a bowler’s line.

“I would say the presence of a left-handed batter would be very important in the middle. From No. 1-6, we don’t have a left-hander and I’m sure the opponents will have two-three left-handed bowlers. We have seen it in the past – 2007, 2011 and 2013 – the role Gauti, Yuvi Pa and I played. When Yuvi Pa and I played, we would scare the opponents.”

At the same time, Raina went on to add that he is not suggesting Pant play ahead of Dinesh Karthik but wants the players to grab their chances in the big event.

“DK has got an opportunity, he has been given a role. But I’m not saying whether they should prefer Pant over DK. Whoever gets a chance, needs to take a lot of responsibility and win the game,” Raina added.

“A left-right combination can upset the rhythm, especially when the grounds in Australia are big. It’s important to have a left-handed batter in the middle. Pant has done really well in Australia and won the Test series there. So we’ll see,” he further added.

India will play their opening match of the T20 World Cup 2022 against Pakistan on 23rd October at the MCG.