India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, stated that it has been difficult for star wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant to watch Champions Trophy matches from the sidelines, but that is the nature of the game at this level. Pant has been left out of the playing XI in the last two group matches, with KL Rahul taking over the wicketkeeping duties. Rahul has performed well behind the stumps and has also contributed effectively with the bat in the middle order.
“It’s Been Difficult for Pant to Sit on the Bench”
Speaking to the media on Friday, Doeschate said, “It has been quite tough for Rishabh to be out of the playing XI, but this is the nature of the game at this level. KL has performed well. Pant hasn’t had many opportunities, but we have kept him ready because we never know when he might be needed. Also, having two excellent wicketkeepers in the squad is always a good thing.”
India vs New Zealand: A Battle of Spinners
Doeschate acknowledged that the upcoming match between India and New Zealand on Sunday will largely be a contest between the spinners of both teams. He said, “New Zealand also has four spinners, so it will be a battle of spin bowling. Before the tournament, we didn’t expect spinners to play such a crucial role, but they have bowled well and received assistance from the pitch. I believe this will continue in the next match as well.”
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KL Rahul’s Statement on Team Performance
Earlier, wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul mentioned that despite securing a spot in the Champions Trophy semi-finals, India is unlikely to make changes to the winning combination. Having defeated Bangladesh and Pakistan, India has already qualified for the knockout stage, with their final group match against New Zealand scheduled for Sunday.
When asked if the team is now satisfied with its performance, Rahul responded, “We haven’t thought about it that way. Not making it to the semi-finals in 2021 or underperforming in tournaments was not a pleasant experience for us. We have learned from that and performed well in the last two or three ICC tournaments.”
India had suffered a 10-wicket defeat against Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup in Dubai and later lost to New Zealand, failing to qualify for the semi-finals.
“Who Will Get a Chance? Not Sure,” Says Rahul
Apart from Pant, fast bowler Arshdeep Singh, spinner Varun Chakravarthy, and all-rounder Washington Sundar have yet to play a match in this tournament. When asked if they might get a chance in the final league match, Rahul said, “I am not part of the leadership group, but I am sure the temptation will be there. I have been in situations before where there’s an opportunity to try out players, but I don’t know if it will happen in the Champions Trophy. We want every player to get a chance, but this is my current thought. Maybe tomorrow, the plan will change.”