Rohit Sharma explains why Dinesh Karthik was sent before Rishabh Pant

Indian cricket team won the second T20I against Australia by 6 wickets in VCA Stadium, Nagpur on Friday, 24th September. Indian team levelled up the series by 1-1 after they were defeated by Australians in the first game. Now the third game will be the finals credits to Rohit Sharma and Dinesh Karthik. The game was reduced to 8 overs due to wet outfield.

Indian cricket team opening batter Rohit Sharma explained why he sent Dinesh Karthik ahead of Rishabh Pant in the game. Wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik finished off the game in the last over with a six and a four. Rohit Sharma remained at the crease at the end and scored 46 runs in just 20 balls. Dinesh Karthik was brought in ahead of Rishabh Pant as Rohit Sharma feels Dinesh Karthik can play off-cutters better than Rishabh Pant.

Rohit Sharma expected Daniel Sams to bowl and he bowls too many off-cutters and thus Dinesh was sent before Pant in the second T20I.

“I was confused whether to have Rishabh Pant or Dinesh Karthik to play that final over of Daniel Sams, but in the end, I asked to send Dinesh Karthik as he will playing finishing role for us in T20 World Cup,” said Rohit Sharma in the post-match presentation on Star Sports.