The much anticipated clash between India and Pakistan will take place on 28th August. Both the teams are ready for this blockbuster match and for the same experts and former cricketers are picking up their impressive playing XI.
However, when it comes to team India’s wicketkeeper, the experts are confused between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant. As KL Rahul and Virat Kohli are back in the squad, it is almost clear that only one between Pant and Karthik will make into the playing XI.
Former Indian cricketer Saba Karim has also spread his light on the wicket keeper’s choice. Saba Karim feels that the management should go with Rishabh Pant as he possesses X-factor for the team. The former cricketer believes in the capabilities of Pant and hopes for him to fire in the upcoming Asia Cup.
While speaking exclusively on SPORTS18’s daily sports news show ‘SPORTS OVER THE TOP’, Saba Karim Said,” I’ve gone ahead with Rishabh Pant because he’s such an X Factor for India and I can see him delivering some stellar performances even in this Asia cup. I’m also preferring a combination that allows me to play five wicket-taking bowlers. On top of that, I have Hardik Pandya as my sixth bowling option. So, if I go in with this kind of combination then I don’t have space for two wicket keepers.”
Saba Karim also picks his ideal XI for the tournament, especially for the opening encounter of India against Pakistan. With Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul as opener, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav are his no.3 and 4 respectively. He picked Hardik Pandya and Rishabh Pant as the all-rounder with Pant as the wicket keeper. Yuzvendra Chahal is the only specialist spinner in his team. If we talk about the pacers, Saba Karim has shown his belief in Bhuvaneshvar Kumar, Avesh Khan and Arshdeep Singh.
Saba Karim’s XI for team India:
Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Yuzvendra Chahal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan.
