Wasim Jaffer pitches for Pant’s inclusion ahead of Hooda

Team India had been going well at the T20 World Cup 2022 and had gained a winning momentum as they defeated Pakistan and the Netherlands to start their campaign on a high. The Men in Blue did not make any changes to the side in the first two games, but brought in Deepak Hooda for Axar Patel in the third game against South Africa, and ended up losing it.

Before the match started, everyone anticipated that Hooda had come into the combination as an all-rounder. But Indian skipper Rohit Sharma did not utilize him as a bowler and kept him only as a middle-order batter. Former India cricketer Wasim Jaffer was surprised by the decision and stated that India could have gone for Rishabh Pant instead of Hooda which would have given them a better and more experienced batting option.

While speaking on a Cricket Chat show, Wasim Jaffer opined his views on the change that India made in their playing combination and said:

“If Deepak Hooda was not going to bowl then Rishabh Pant would’ve been a better choice. He has played in this condition, he has got runs in Australia, and Deepak Hooda has not played in Australia. And if India was not going to use him as a spinner, then it would have made sense to play Rishabh Pant as an extra batter. It surprised me.”

Maybe Rishabh Pant can open the batting for India: Jaffer

He also spoke about KL Rahul’s form, and how that has been affecting India’s top-order at the marquee event. Jaffer believes that KL Rahul should be rested for a while, and Pant should be given the opportunity to bat at the opening slot alongside skipper Rohit Sharma. KL Rahul was in good touch before the event down under, but has not managed to put up a single good score in either of the three games.

“Going forward, do we stick with KL Rahul? Is there a change needed in the top-order? Sometimes, you are in a form where you’re unable to score runs and you’re failing continuously, then the pressure piles on you. Maybe Rishabh Pant can open the batting for India. That will be a spot for him, and Axar Patel comes back in for the next game (in place of Hooda). India will have to have a look on this matter. It is to be seen if they stick with KL Rahul, or do they want to change something at the top,” Jaffer asserted.