Former India captain Virender Sehwag has said Rishabh Pant should have been in the starting XI against South Africa given his familiarity to the Australian conditions. India lost by 5 wickets against South Africa in the third Super-12 match at the Optus stadium in Perth.

Sehwag says Rishabh Pant should have played against South Africa (PTI)

By India Today Web Desk: Former India captain Virender Sehwag has said Rishabh Pant should have been in the starting XI against South Africa given his familiarity to the Australian conditions. India lost by 5 wickets against South Africa in the third Super-12 match at the Optus stadium in Perth.

Speaking to Cricbuzz after India’s loss, Sehwag said Pant has the experience of performing in Australia.

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“This should have been the case from the first day. Rishabh Pant has played Tests and ODIs there, and has performed and he knows how to perform in these conditions,” said Sehwag.

The former India opener said Karthik has not played much cricket in Australia, pointing out that the conditions are much different than Bengaluru.
“When did Dinesh Karthik last play in Australia? When has he played on such bouncy wickets? This isn’t a Bengaluru wicket. I said this even today that Pant should’ve been in the team instead of Hooda, Pant has the experience of playing here. His Gabba innings is a legend,” Sehwag added.

He went on to say that Pant should’ve started in the match against South Africa but insisted that the team management will probably prefer Karthik if he stays fit.

“I can only give them suggestions, it’s the management’s decision. If Karthik is fit, they will go back to him again. But according to me, Rishabh Pant should’ve been in the XI from the start,” Sehwag added.

Wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik struggled against South Africa, managing to score just 6 runs off 15 balls. India, as a batting unit, failed to perform against the South African pace attack. Apart from Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 68 runs off 40 balls, none of the Indian batters scored more than 15 runs.

After losing against South Africa, India will turn their focus on Bangladesh, who they face on November 2.