Rishabh Pant will be a huge player for India in T20 cricket over next 10 years: Robin Uthappa

Former India wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa believes Rishabh Pant should open the innings for India during the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

Rishabh Pant should open the innings in New Zealand series: Robin Uthappa (Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Former Indian wicketkeeper Robin Uthappa believes Rishabh Pant could revive his T20I career and become a stalwart in the shortest format of the game if he is promoted up the batting order.

Pant lost his first-choice wicketkeeper spot to Dinesh Karthik in the T20Is, who brought his ability to finish innings to the table. Pant was not considered at the start of the recently concluded T20 World Cup in Australia, despite being the only left-handed batter in the lineup; he only played a couple of matches in the tournament.

“Rishabh Pant should open the innings in the New Zealand series, he should definitely play at the top of the order. I think in T20 cricket, that’s where he has been at his best and that is where he will thrive going forward as well,” Uthappa was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

Pant had led India earlier in a home series against South Africa, but the Delhi Capitals captain’s inconsistency had cost him a place in the side. Pant played 22 matches in T20Is in 2022 and has scored 337 runs at an average of less than 30. Pant hasn’t been able to cut loose in the middle as he has been constantly under pressure for a place in the side.

“He is a match-winner, a game-changer, and he can easily win matches for India single-handedly with his batting. I think he will be a huge player in T20 cricket over the course of the next 10 years,” Uthappa added.

Following a disappointing campaign in the T20 World Cup 2022, India and New Zealand will face off in a three-match T20I series beginning November 18.