Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer, believes that if Rishabh Pant had been part of the lineup, India’s chances of chasing down Australia’s 444-run target in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC 2023) final would have been enhanced.
Pant is currently sidelined due to severe injuries sustained in a tragic vehicle accident in December 2022.
According to Sanjay Manjrekar, including the dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman in the playing XI would have made a miraculous victory seem more possible for India.
“If India wins, it is a miracle. But if Rishabh Pant was around, it would have seemed more likely,” Sanjay Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.
The cricketer-turned-commentator suggests that India would have been in a stronger position if they had performed better with the ball after winning the toss.
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Sanjay Manjrekar also drew a comparison between Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, stating that Kohli, at his peak, would never give the bowlers a chance once he settled at the crease.
“While some batters may struggle with lapses in concentration, Rohit Sharma playing in that fashion is different from someone like Virat Kohli in his prime. Kohli was a player who, once settled, wouldn’t give you a chance. He scored four centuries against Australia in 2014; that’s what Kohli did,” Sanjay Manjrekar elaborated.
The WTC 2023 final is poised for an exciting conclusion as both teams prepare for an intense battle on Day 5 of the summit clash on Sunday, June 11.