ICC World Cup 2019 | Rishabh Pant compliments the Indian top 7 well, says Michael Clarke

Going into the World Cup, India’s major concern was the uncertainty regarding the middle-order of their batting lineup. With the top order of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli delivering on a consistent basis, the middle-order had barely been tested. The chosen KL Rahul was beginning to look decent when an injury to Dhawan forced India to put Rahul at the top alongside Rohit. The pair has given some good starts to India, especially in the game against Pakistan and Bangladesh. 

After Vijay Shankar’s toe injury, Rishabh Pant was asked at the crucial No. 4 position in the Indian batting order during the World Cup. Against England, the young left-hander scored 32 off 29 balls showing some promise, but eventually, failed to take India across the finish line. However, he looked his real self against Bangladesh, making a quickfire 48, before falling to Shakib Al Hasan. The former Australian skipper is delighted with the youngster’s contributions and offered his take on what Pant adds to the lineup. 

"Rishabh Pant at 4 gives India the power option. If he bats badly, he is going to strike at 100. If he strikes well, he is going to strike at 140 and 150. I think that helps Indian middle order on good wickets. I actually think Pant compliments this top 7 really well.,” Clarke told IndiaToday.

Clarke is also positive about the inclusion of the experienced campaigner Dinesh Karthik in the Indian lineup. Although Karthik had a failure against Bangladesh, the World Cup-winning Aussie skipper believes the middle order looks a lot more at ease now.

“I like the experience of Karthik at No. 6, to be honest. He is another Hardik Pandya. He can walk out and hit a boundary of the first ball. I think that's a really good place to be for that Indian middle order. 

A former World Cup winner himself, Clarke also praised the in-form duo of Rohit and Virat Kohli, calling on the latter to deliver a big hundred soon. 

“Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli also have been in good form. I think he is due for a big hundred,” he added.