xtratime Logo

Xtra Time Web Desk: In a surprise move the Indian team management sent Rishabh Pant to open the batting for India in the practice game against Western Australia at WACA on Monday. Pant did not utilize the opportunity though as he was out after scoring just 9 runs. The Western Australia side fielded a strong side with Jhye Richardson, Andrew Tye, Jason Behrendorff forming the pace attack.

Is Pant being looked as an opening option? With the team already comprising of KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma as regular openers and Virat Kohli too being seen as a third opener. If Rohit and Rahul open the batting, Virat will walk in at No 3 followed by Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik. If both Pant and Karthik is included in the playing XI then India will have a bowler short which will not be a wise thing to do, given any bowler can have an off day.

Another reason for Pant being looked as an opener might be to drop KL Rahul, which is very unlikely. Or simply include him ahead of Dinesh Karthik. With the veteran wicket keeper batter doing the job as a finisher, it will not be a wise decision though.

In the next few days we will have a better picture. The Indian team will play another practice game against the same opponents on October 13 before leaving for Brisbane to take Australia and New Zealand in the warm up games on October 17 & 19 respectively.