India needs to be careful in their preparation for T20 World Cup: Deep Dasgupta

Following a close victory against Pakistan in their Asia Cup opener, a confident India is currently up against Hong Kong. Ahead of the game, the former cricketers Deep Dasgupta and Nikhil Chopra discussed the roadmap for the Indian team leading up to the T20 World Cup in Australia later this year.

Dasgupta believes the Rohit Sharma-led side would look to term this match as a critical one, for the T20 World Cup preparation. The 48-year-old added that India needs to be on their toes in their upcoming appearances in the shortest format. After the Asia Cup, India will take on Australia and South Africa for three T20Is each, at home.

“I don’t think there will be any pressure on India against Hong Kong, and if there is any, I will be surprised. But yes, they will have to play good cricket. Let’s not forget at the end of the day, we must put this match in the right perspective. Looking ahead, it will serve as a preparation for the T20 World Cup,” said Dasgupta on BatBricks7 presents Run Ki Runneeti show on CricTracker.

“You can’t afford to mess up as there are not many matches scheduled ahead of the tournament. After the Asia Cup, then I think there are five T20Is [six], and then you are into the World Cup. So you have got to be very careful - on how you prepare and do not have any hiccups at all.”

There is no harm to give chances to Rishabh Pant over Dinesh Karthik: Nikhil Chopra

Chopra spoke on Pant-Karthik debate and reckoned that both should be given an equal opportunity ahead of the showpiece event, which will help India to find its best possible combinations and therefore stake a strong claim to lift the title.

“If we look at the last game, Dinesh was given an opportunity. Can you bring Pant to don the wicket-keeping gloves against Dinesh in this game? There is no harm in giving chances to try out a few of the options to prepare your Probable Playing XI for the World Cup,” he said.