IND vs SA 2022: I would put Rishabh Pant ahead of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan – Saba Karim

Former Indian selector Saba Karim has stated that he would put Rishabh Pant ahead of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan in the pecking order as the Delhi player brings an X-factor to the table. Karim feels Samson can retain his place in the team as a batter while Kishan hasn’t been able to grab his opportunities in the recent past.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant hasn’t been able to take his chances in the shortest format of the game. It is expected that India will back Dinesh Karthik as the wicket-keeper batter in the T20 World Cup as he is doing a fine job as a finisher.

On the other hand, Pant has the skills to turn the match on its with his blistering batting. The left-hander has the experience of playing in Australian conditions and has performed well in Downunder.

Saba explained while talking to India News Sports, “I would put Rishabh Pant ahead of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan. I don’t see the X factor in these two that Rishabh Pant has. Samson is a wonderful stroke player and can retain his side in the team as a batter.

“Ishan Kishan hasn’t made the most of his chances, which is why he has fallen down the pecking order. With that said, Pant would be my first choice in both white-ball and red-ball cricket.”

Meanwhile, Sanju Samson scored a fine knock of 86 runs in the first ODI against South Africa and kept India in the run-chase. Karim believes Samson will return to the main squad as a batter but not as a wicket-keeper batter.

“Selectors aren’t looking at all these players as keeper-batters. They consider them pure batters and it is an added bonus if you are also able to keep wickets. Sanju Samson’s return to the main team will happen as a batter, not as a wicketkeeper.”

Samson had scored 458 runs in 17 matches for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2022 and Karim feels the Kerala batter has shown improvement in his performances.

“Sanju Samson has performed well whenever he has had an opportunity recently. The consistency has been quite good and we have seen a big improvement after this year’s IPL.”