Big Statement From Gautam Gambhir Regarding Dinesh Karthik: "No Interest In Batting In Top-5"

About

     Now that India has chosen its 15-person team for the T20 World Cup, the perfect starting XI is the centre of attention. The designated wicketkeepers are Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant. While Pant has demonstrated the ability to shine on momentous occasions, Karthik has recently excelled as a finisher in the IPL and for India.

What He said

     "No, you can't. If you do that, you will lose out on a sixth bowler and won't have five bowlers for the World Cup. You must have a backup plan. Rishabh Pant can open the batting unless you drop someone like Suryakumar Yadav or KL Rahul has a horrible campaign. If not, I don't think any of these guys belong in the middle order", Gambhir made this statement at a news conference hosted by Star Sports.

     He continued by saying that because Karthik has "shown no interest" in batting at higher places, Pant would be his first pick for wicket-keeper. 

     "Let's begin with Rishabh Pant. You don't select a T20 player to play 10–12 balls, as I have previously stated. He won't always be able to help you win games. Unfortunately, Dinesh Karthik has not shown any enthusiasm in batting within the top five. Your wicket keeper must be able to bat in the top-5 positions, and Rishabh Pant possesses that ability to bat at any position," Gambhir stated.

Overview

     "Rishabh Pant will undoubtedly be in my batting order. I disagree that a left-hander should be in the middle of the order. That is not the standard, particularly in a country like India. The standard should be "do you have the ability to win a game?" and Rishabh Pant has that. so sure, Pant to start at number five, Hardik Pandya at number six, Axar at number seven, and see if you want Ashwin at number eight, followed by three seamers," Gambhir stated.