Rishabh Pant will be my first-choice wicketkeeper batter for Asia Cup 2022: Nikhil Chopra

Former India player and cricket expert Nikhil Chopra has named his picks for the wicketkeeper-batters for India’s Asia Cup 2022 squad. Just like the batters and bowlers, the Indian team does not have a shortage of quality wicketkeeper-batters for the side, and it will be interesting to which players are named for the gala event.

Since MS Dhoni’s exit from the side after the 2019 World Cup, Rishabh Pant has stepped into the role and has been permanent in the team. From what has been witnessed in the IPL, India have other keeping options in the form of KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, and Dinesh Karthik, if he gets an opportunity to make a comeback.

“I would keep Rishabh Pant as my no. 1 choice for wicketkeeper batter, because of the way he looks for making those runs, and his strategies to deal with the left-right combination. He is someone who can finish the contest on his own if given the opportunity. I have been watching him since he was 17, and India is yet to witness Pant putting out his best form,” said Chopra while speaking on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker.

Rishabh Pant is not even close to being his best: Chopra

Pant has been prolific across all formats for the Indian team. He puts his best foot forwards whenever he takes on the gloves behind the stumps, and also while walking out with the bat in hand.

“Rishabh Pant is not even close to being his best. His ability to score runs against the pace-bowling attack is phenomenal and thus, he will be my first-choice wicketkeeper batter for the Asia Cup. If there is a need for a backup, then there is KL Rahul, who is my no. 2. He would take the position only if required because anyhow he would be a part of the squad as a batter,” he added.

Chopra also praised Ishan Kishan, for the way he played in the initial games of the IPL 2022, and also Dinesh Karthik for the way he has been finishing the games for RCB. The Asia Cup 2022 will be held between August-September this year, and the tournament will be followed by the ICC T20 World Cup.