‘We Do Not Have Many Openers…’ – Rishabh Pant opens up about KL Rahul’s replacement

Team India is gearing up to host South Africa for a five T20I match series in India, starting from today (9 June 2022). However, yesterday, KL Rahul was ruled out of the squad for injury concerns. Hence, Wicket keeper batter Rishabh Pant was handed over the captaincy duties. Hardik Pandya was considered as his deputy for this series.

Still, now, no such replacement has been named for the injured KL Rahul. Hence, India needs to consider Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ishan Kishan as their opening pair. Even, Venkatesh Iyer can be used as an opener as he opened for his Indian T20 Leauge franchise Kolkata.

“There will be one change for sure, we do not have many openers… You guys can guess.” – Rishabh Pant

During the pre-match press conference, Rishabh Pant gave some hints about the changes regarding the opening slot after KL Rahul’s injury. He said: “I think there would not be many changes in the batting order as KL would have opened. There will be one change for sure, we do not have many openers… You guys can guess. We will discuss the team after some time,”

He also added that it is a great opportunity for him to lead his country for the first time, even in his hometown. “It’s a very good feeling although it didn’t come in good circumstances. The news just came in for me as well an hour back so I’m also processing it. I haven’t even digested the information yet. It is a great feeling getting this opportunity, especially in my hometown,” he said.

He also shared about his batting position and experience in leading the Team. He said: “My batting order will depend on the conditions. In these conditions, we can’t have a floating batting line because we play spinners day in and day out. But if we need a floating batting line up we will have it,“

“It’s a very good feeling. Didn’t come under very good circumstances. At the same time, I am feeling happy. I would like to thank BCCI for giving me this opportunity to lead the Indian side. I will try to make most of it,” Pant concluded.