Ind vs SA: Rishabh Pant To Replace KL Rahul In India XI? India Coach Gives Big Hint

When asked about Rishabh Pant, Vikram Rathour said, "Only 11 can play unfortunately and I know and understand Rishabh is a fantastic player, we know he can be destructive against any opposition."

Vikram Rathour was asked during a press conference whether team management is considering replacing Rahul with Pant.

Source : Getty Images

New Delhi: South Africa, the only team apart from India to win two consecutive matches in the T20 World Cup 2022, will take on Rohit Sharma & Co. on Sunday, 30th October. If Team India wins match against Proteas, they will be very close to qualifying for the semi-finals. Among India's top-order batters, Virat Kohli looked in remarkable batting form in India's first two World Cup games, while Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav scored half-centuries against Netherlands. Only vice-captain KL Rahul is the one who is struggling to score runs. Rahul flopped with the bat both against Pakistan and Netherlands.

KL Rahul's poor form led to discussions whether the team management should give Rishabh Pant a chance in the playing XI against South Africa instead. Pant is part of India's T20 World Cup squad, but has not played a single match so far. India's batting coach Vikram Rathour was asked during a press conference whether team management is considering replacing Rahul with Pant. Rathour said that the team is not thinking anything like that.

"No. We aren’t really not thinking about that," Rathour dismissed the idea of Pant’s inclusion for the time being. "I don’t think that’s a good enough sample size anyway. He’s been batting really well and has also batted well in practice games. So, we aren’t changing anything," he said about Rahul.

When asked about Pant, Rathour said, "Only 11 can play unfortunately and I know and understand Rishabh is a fantastic player and we know he can be destructive against any opposition."

"The message to him is to be ready and your chance might come at anytime. He should be mentally and physically ready. He is doing that, and you might have seen him practicing regularly. I am sure he will be ready whenever the opportunity comes," Rathour added.

Love cricket? Participate in this free Wah Cricket Quiz to test your knowledge and get a certificate. Don't forget to share with your friends.