Cricket

Asia Cup 2022: I disagree to have Rishabh Pant instead of Hardik Pandya – Gautam Gambhir not happy with team’s selection

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir was not happy with the team’s selection for the Asia Cup match against Hong Kong. India played Rishabh Pant in place of Hardik Pandya and Gambhir felt it was not a like for like replacement for replacement.

Gambhir wanted Deepak Hooda to be part of the final XI as he could have contributed a few overs with the ball.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik was given a nod ahead of Rishabh Pant in the high-octane clash against Pakistan. However, both Pant and Karthik played against Hong Kong and Hardik Pandya was rested to manage his workload.

“I disagree to have Rishabh Pant instead of Hardik Pandya. I would have definitely had someone like Deepak Hooda, who can bowl a couple of overs as well”, Gambhir told Star Sports.

“That’s more of a like-to-like replacement as well and he (Hooda) hasn’t done anything wrong. So for me, Rishabh Pant should play, but instead of Dinesh Karthik. If you are resting Hardik Pandya, then I think Deepak Hooda deserves a go”, Gambhir added.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant didn’t get to bat in the match against Hong Kong as India posted an above-par score of 192 runs after losing only two wickets.

On the other hand, Arshdeep Singh and Avesh Khan were expensive in their bowling spells as they conceded a total of 97 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively. In fact, Virat Kohli was given the ball by Rohit Sharma and Deepak Hooda could have been given a couple of overs had he played.

Ravindra Jadeja and Yuzvendra Chahal conceded only 33 runs in the eight overs they bowled collectively and thus Hooda would have definitely made a difference with his off-spin.

Afghanistan, Sri Lanka and India have qualified for the Super Four of the Asia Cup while the winner of the match between Pakistan and Hong Kong will join these three teams in the next stage of the Asia Cup.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024