T20 World Cup 2022: ‘We aren’t changing anything’ – India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour on dropping KL Rahul for Rishabh Pant

Team India have got a flying start in the ongoing T20 World Cup but they still have an area of concern which is KL Rahul’s form. The opening batter did well in the practice matches. However, he miserably failed to make an impact in the first two games. He seemed completely off-color which could hurt the team towards the business end of the event.

Rahul departed for 4 off 8 against arch-rivals Pakistan and disappointed once again with his score of 9 for 12 balls against the Netherlands. Fans are fed up with the cricketer for not standing tall in the big games despite holding incredible abilities. Some were even demanding the inclusion of Rishabh Pant, who could provide power-hitting in the top order.

However, India’s batting coach Vikram Rathour has turned down the idea and said that the management are not looking for anyone beyond him at the moment. He believes that the 30-year-old has been batting well and it’s just a matter of two games. Hence, the Men in Blue will go unchanged.

“No. We aren’t really not thinking about that. I don’t think that’s a good enough sample size anyway. He’s been batting really well and also batted well in practice games. So we aren’t changing anything,” Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on Saturday.

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Vikram Rathour reveals team’s message for Rishabh Pant

The inclusion of Rishabh Pant into the XI is tough for now considering the presence of KL Rahul and Dinesh Karthik. The side cannot afford to go with just five bowlers in the shortest format of the game. As a result, the left-handed batter will have to wait for his opportunity.

“The message to him is be ready and your chance might come anytime. He should be mentally and physically ready. He is doing that and you might have seen him practising regularly. I am sure he will be ready whenever opportunity comes,” he added.

Rohit Sharma’s side are leading their group with two wins and no loss, and will next lock horns with the Proteas on Sunday (October 30). A win against South Africa will take them an inch closer to the semis.

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