The final match of the three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is underway at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand captain Kane Williamson won the toss and asked India to bat first. Shikhar Dhawan and Shubman Gill batted first for India but Adam Milne struck in the powerplay to end the pair.
Dhawan didn’t last long either, as he cut the delivery into Milne on his stumps. Rishabh Pant came with Dhawan’s departure. With criticism all around, all eyes were on the wicketkeeper. Pant was expected to justify the team’s unwavering support. But again he got out cheaply.
10(16)🔥🔥incredible innings🔥secured his place for next 10 matches. This is rishabh pant for you🔥haters step back😂#Rishabpant #SanjuSamson #BCCI pic.twitter.com/69GfOiLKfw
— Navaneeth (@Navanee31078282) November 30, 2022
The wicket-keeper batsman, who fans say is preventing Sanju Samson from making the playing eleven, mistimed a pull shot and was caught by Glenn Phillips. He got out after only ten runs. Sanju Samson fans were quick to respond with tweets criticizing the team management and Pant.
While some criticized Pant for wasting so many chances, others mocked the team management for sticking with a struggling cricketer. “Another flop show by Rishabh Pant!! But still Pant will get a chance in the next match. What party election!!” one user tweeted.
#RishabhPant #Casteist_BCCI pic.twitter.com/fZmF308wsF
— Dilip Mandal (@Profdilipmandal) November 30, 2022
“I want to start batting in T20Is and in ODIs I want to bat at number 4 or 5. In Tests, I am only batting at number 5. Obviously, the game plan changes when you are batting in different positions, but at the same time, coaches and captains think about what is best for the team and where the player can contribute the most. Wherever I get an opportunity, I will try to give my best,” Pant said on Prime Video ahead of the third ODI.