Uthappa believes that Pant has not been able to deliver optimal performance since he was involved in the unfortunate car accident in late 2022. The cricketer turned commentator felt that Pant should not waste his chances by batting in the middle order.
“I am personally very patient with Pant. I still believe that because of that accident (a car accident in December 2022), we have not seen the best of Pant. I feel he is getting there and building himself up. I believe if he opens or plays at three, we will see the best of him soon. The spot he is batting at – No. 4 or No. 5, especially in T20s – Rishabh can’t do anything more wrong than that. (Rishabh couldn’t do more wrong than this),” Uthappa shared in a video on his YouTube channel.
Uthappa noted that Pant is the type of batsman who can wreak havoc in the powerplay and whenever he gets time to get to the crease. The Coorg native further urged the left-hander to take his advice and implement it so that he can extend his career in the shortest format of the game and possibly make a comeback into the national team.
“I was very happy when he played at three in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He is one of those batsmen who should get more balls in T20 cricket. He should be given the freedom of the powerplay. I was so frustrated that he was captaining LSG and batting at five. If this gets to him – Bro, please open, you will shake Indian T20 cricket,” he added.
Pant ruled out of ODI series
Meanwhile, India have been dealt a huge blow as Pant has been all but ruled out of the upcoming three-match ODI series against New Zealand, which starts on Sunday, January 11. The stump batsman was hit in the abdominal area during net practice on the eve of the opening match in Vadodara. BCCI will make an official announcement soon and a replacement is likely to be named.
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