“You have to score runs in order to retain your place in the team”. Saba Karim on Rishabh Pant’s form.

Thanks to the rain, India was able to hide its face from yet another defeat at the hands of the Kiwis in the 3rd ODI. However, the most argued point of the entire series has been the form of Rishabh Pant. 

In the 3rd and final ODI of the three-match series, India scored a mere 219 runs in 47 overs. The men in blue scaped a shameful defeat as the rain suspended the play, and the match was called off. New Zealand scored 104 in 18 overs before rain abandoned the game. Furthermore, One person who is under severe scrutiny in the entire series is none other than Rishabh Pant.

Saba Karim has a suggestion for Rishabh Pant.

Despite strong backing from management and the team, Pant has been unable to deliver on the ground. The left-handed wicketkeeper scored 25 runs in two outings in the ODI series. The swashbuckler had a disappointing performance in T20Is as well. Pant scored 17 runs in the entire T20 series, leaving him at the receiving end of the fan’s criticism.

Speaking to one of the Indian Sports channels, Karim said, “Rishabh Pant has failed to score runs despite getting a lot of opportunities. He has also been tried out at several positions in the batting order. He has said that he wants to play at No. 4 or No. 5 in this format. But you have to score runs in order to retain your place in the team. The competition is getting very tough.”

In a pre-match presentation, Pant said, “I would choose to bat in the top order in the ODIs, number 4-5 in ODIs, and in tests I’m batting at 5″. 

The time is ticking for the left-handed wicketkeeper, and if such form continues, this might force management to look into other options.

Sanju Samson is still waiting to be a part of the playing XI.

If you’ve been an avid follower of Indian cricket, then Sanju Samson is a familiar name. The Rajasthan Royal captain is a big talking point on the internet, as fans have been questioning his absence from the playing eleven.

He is a hot prospect as a replacement for out-of-form Rishabh Pant. Samson has had a decent record in the recent past compared to Pant.

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Pant is a part of the national team for the Bangladesh tour. The three-match ODI series will commence on December 4. The opening game will take place in the Shere Bangla National Stadium.