Indian skipper Virat Kohli faced some heat for playing by the rules and choosing Dinesh Kartik over the teenage batting sensation Rishabh Pant. It was highly anticipated that the youngster would get an opportunity today in the 4th ODI against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua.
The buzz surrounding the inclusion of the Delhi opener was a point of discussion since the day he was included in the squad. The excitement to watch him bat in the ODI format against a reasonable bowling attack was palpable among fans. But, the waiting fans have been only made to wait for more time by Kohli.
After going up 2-0 in the five-match series, this match offered a great chance for Kohli to test the bench strength. In fact, he did bring in all the players warming the bench back in the XI but except Pant. India made three changes today with Ravindra Jadeja, Mohamad Shami and Dinesh Kartik coming in place of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuvraj Singh.
The decision to play Dinesh Kartik was not welcomed at all. Many felt it was unnecessary to include someone who is not even in the scheme of things for the future. In recent times, the selectors have emphasised on exposing young names to international cricket in an attempt to prepare them for the 2019 Cricket World Cup. This method is currently been used as well. The 19-year chinaman Kuldeep Yadav has been a great example. However, fans have found the delay to include Pant in the squad illogical so far and have been constantly venting out their frustration on social media sites.
It is hoped that Kohli would consider Pant’s case in the final ODI at least and let the fans have a glimpse of the young talent soon.
I think this is very good chance for DBT. Of rishabh pant but kohli ignores him
— Santosh Kumar Mishra (@Santosh63959087) July 2, 2017
I agree but Rishabh pant also needs opportunity to prove himself & team tends to invest towards future lyk Quinton de kock
— Ritik Tiwari (@ritiktiwari359) July 2, 2017
Really sad that india keeps ignoring Rishabh pant. If you can't play him against WI, who will he play against, gully XI?
— Ashish Sharma (@Ashishyahaan) July 2, 2017
Would have liked to see Rishabh Pant in the playing 11 today againt WI. Hopefully he will play the next game & the T20 thereafter #IndvsWI
— Nilesh Gule ™️ ? ?? ?? (@nileshgule) July 2, 2017
Why you are not giving chance to rishabh pant. https://t.co/e1S1XGuUBC
— Rajeev Kumar (@ChRajeev02) July 2, 2017
The floor is Rishabh Pant remaining uncapped in ODIs. #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/E6ZO5TYiub
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) July 2, 2017
India has by gone by the book in picking Dinesh Karthik ahead of Rishabh Pant. He was selected first, so plays first.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) July 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/iamchetss/status/881498494699266048
It is absolutely ridiculous that Rishabh Pant is still not playing in this tour! #WIvIND
— PP (@PrashantSport) July 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/its_tabrez_4u/status/881495358416629760
seems like everyone will get a chance to play, but Rishabh Pant #WIvIND
— Gagan Thakur (@gagan_gt) July 2, 2017
HUMEE bhi mauka dedhooo sir #Rishabhpant @rishabhpant #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/RN7BiKdLra
— ghanchi praveenkumar (@GhanchiPraveen) July 2, 2017
What the hell is that? And a question Mr. @imVkohli, why no Rishab Pant? Give the others a break. https://t.co/9t4zYm5tcM
— Yojana Phadnis (@YojPhadnis) July 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/881494702574505984
Trying to figure out why Rishabh Pant is yet to make his ODI debut. #WIvIND pic.twitter.com/fPwCqU0A8P
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) June 30, 2017
#WIvIND MR.@imVkohli while @YUVSTRONG12 get injured why can't u give a one chance to @RishabPant777 in team.What is the use of @DK in team.
— @Im_Kumar (@ImKumarchinna12) July 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/cricketpunting/status/881494954341785600