Group 2 leader India will cross-swords with South Africa in a top-of-the-table tussle on a pacy pitch at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday.
India, on the back of consecutive wins, have the momentum and would be at ease as Rohit Sharma’s side has ticked all the boxes so far. The top order, except opening batter KL Rahul, has come to the party, with captain Rohit scoring a half-century against the Netherlands and Virat Kohli being in sublime form.
During the match against the Dutch, even Suryakumar Yadav performed with the willow, smashing an unbeaten 51 off 25 balls. The Men in Blue’s clinical bowling has everything to take them to the semifinals, but they have to face a hefty challenge against the on-song Proteas side that failed to make it to the final four last time.
Meanwhile, India batting coach Vikram Rathour has addressed the big selection decision ahead of the standout Group 2 fixture in Perth.
Rathour was quizzed about Pant and KL in the pre-match media conference. Responding to the same, the coach said: “We’re not really thinking that; two games, I don’t think that’s a good enough sample size anyways.
“He’s been batting really well and he’s batted really well in the practice games, also, so we’re not looking at any such thing at the moment.
“Only 11 can play unfortunately and I know and understand Rishabh is a fantastic player and we know he can be destructive against any opposition,” added Rathour.
“The message to him is to 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 practicing regularly. I am sure he will be ready whenever the opportunity comes.”
When asked why KL has a tempered approach in the powerplay overs compared to Rohit, Rathour admitted that once the Karnataka stalwart returns to form, things will change.
“Every player has his own way of playing and constituting their innings. A good partnership is one where each one complement the other. If Rahul is in good form then he can also be the aggressor,” the former Punjab cricketer said.
So, KL looks set to continue against South Africa, and Pant will be picked in the playing XI only if the former doesn’t hit his straps soon.