Rishabh Pant should bat at number four: Michael Clarke
What's the story
India suffered a blow when Shikhar Dhawan's campaign in the ongoing World Cup was cut short due to an unfortunate injury. The young wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant was called in as his replacement. In two matches, he has scored 80 runs, batting at number four. His form has impressed former Australian skipper Michael Clarke as he backed him to bat at four. Here's more.
Ability
Pant adds firepower at four, feels Clarke
Clarke feels that owing to Pant's hard-hitting abilities, he adds firepower to the Indian middle-order. "If he bats badly, he is going to strike at 100. If he strikes well, he is going to strike at 140 and 150. I think that helps Indian middle order on good wickets," Clarke was quoted as saying to India Today.
Quote
Pant compliments this top 7 really well
"Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also have been in good form. I think he [Kohli] is due for a big hundred. I actually think Pant compliments this top 7 really well," Clarke said.
DK
Clarke also backs Dinesh Karthik to go all out
Meanwhile, Clarke also heaped praise on veteran wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik. Clarke feels that he can play a great role as a finisher. He can even dictate the proceedings, right from the start. "He (DK) can walk out and hit a boundary of the first ball. I think that's a really good place to be for that Indian middle order," added Clarke.
Author's take
Pant should be retained at four
While Pant already has the backing of Clarke following his good form, the author feels he is a valuable addition to the Indian squad. And in the remaining matches, Pant should be allowed to bat at number four. He is a genuine match-winner and on good wickets, he can thrash even the best. In the upcoming knock-outs, he can be India's X-factor.