IND vs PAK, Asia Cup 2022: It is impossible to play Pant and Karthik at the same time: Pujara, Cheteshwar

Cheteshwar Pujara, India’s star player, believes it is “impossible” to include both Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik in the playing XI for the Asia Cup 2022 tournament.

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Suryakumar Yadav comprise the top order, with Pujara describing him as one of India’s top T20 batters right now. They are followed by Hardik Pandya and Ravindra Jadeja, leaving only one spot open between Pant and Karthik.

“It’s a major headache for the team’s management because both (Pant and Karthik) are performing admirably in the T20 format. The decision is whether to bat at No. 5 or a finisher who can bat at Nos. 6 or 7 “T20 Time: out, said Pujara on ESPNcricinfo.

“So, if you want someone at No. 5, Rishabh Pant is a better option. However, if you want a batting lineup that includes a very good finisher who is likely to play 10 or 20 balls and score 40-50 runs, I believe DK (Karthik) is the better option.”

“Personally, knowing the team management (and) knowing how things work around the team, I would think they might go with Pant because he is a left-hander and gives the team a bit of balance with a left-right combination,” Pujara, 34, added.

Regarding Suryakumar, Pujara stated that he deserves to be in the XI and should not be dropped in order to accommodate both Pant and Karthik.

“Surya is one of our best T20 players, so I’d definitely want him in the team because he can… He has done exceptionally well for the Mumbai Indians (in IPL). Whenever I’ve seen him at No. 4, he’s performed admirably.

“I would prefer Hardik for that (finisher’s) role because he can strike from the first ball and has a strike rate above 150.” Rishabh won’t be able to do that job because he requires more time.
“Personally, I think, knowing the team management (and) knowing how things work around the team, I would think they might go with Pant because he is a left-hander and gives the team a bit of balance,” Pujara, 34, added.

Regarding Suryakumar, Pujara stated that he deserves to be in the XI and should not be dropped in order to accommodate both Pant and Karthik.

“Surya is one of our best T20 players, so I’d definitely want him in the team because he can… He has done exceptionally well for the Mumbai Indians (in IPL). Whenever I’ve seen him at No. 4, he’s performed admirably.

“I don’t believe the team’s management will leave him out.” If Rishabh and Karthik are both required to play, I believe you must drop one of the top-order batsmen, which is impossible. So, I don’t think both can make the starting XI,” Pujara said.

Pujara stated that if Karthik is unable to play, all-rounder

“I would prefer Hardik for that (finisher’s) role because he can strike from the first ball and has a strike rate above 150.” Rishabh won’t be able to do that job because he requires more time.

“And if he (Rishabh) comes in to bat, he should bat for 10 or 12 overs… “And if he gets 8-10 overs, he can score a 50 or even more,” Pujara added.