Tendulkar insinuates that Pant should be included in India’s World Cup starting lineup, saying that left-handers “without a doubt bring in value.”

The T20 World Cup for the 2007 winners begins on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against arch-rivals Pakistan, and India skipper Rohit Sharma acknowledged last Saturday that he does not believe in “last-minute alterations” and that his playing XI is prepared. The legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar, who openly supported the selection of Rishabh Pant, has a last-minute recommendation for Rohit and the team management over their starting XI.

India’s top-five players are Rohit, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. Based on India’s most recent playing XIs for T20 Internationals, Dinesh Karthik is also a foregone conclusion. Rishabh Pant, India’s only left-handed specialist hitter, is thus likely to be out, at least for the World Cup opener against Pakistan.

However, Sachin has emphasized the significance of including a left-handed batsman in the batting order, noting that they “bring in value” and thwart the opposition’s bowling strategies.

“Left-handers without a doubt offer value and bowlers and fielders must respond. If they can rotate strike regularly, it is not something that the bowler appreciates,” he said, according to PTI.

“Look, I wouldn’t limit myself to the top three. You always play as a team, so figure out what works best. The top two or top three rankings are insufficient. As a unit, it’s critical to assess your resources before deciding who to deploy where. You should also consider the strength of the enemy.”

Additionally, Mohammed Shami’s selection as Jasprit Bumrah’s replacement for the World Cup received a critical review from Sachin.

“We needed a strike bowler, and Bumrah’s absence is a major blow. a true fast bowler with the ability to attack batsmen and take wickets. Shami has proven that and he seems a good replacement,” he said.