Semi-final rivals lead Rishabh Pant's T20I dream team
The left-hander Pant has played 63 T20Is since making his debut in February 2017 against the same team India will meet in a semi-final at Adelaide Oval on Thursday.
With more than five years experience playing T20Is at the top level, Pant is well-placed to name the first five players he would select in his own dream team in the format.
Speaking to the ICC ahead of India starting their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 campaign, Pant included two rivals that he will hope are far from their best in the semi-final.
The 25-year-old also added a curious name that he will hope selectors turn to for the pivotal clash.
Jos Buttler (England) - ICC T20I Batting Ranking: 13
"The first five players which I would pick in a T20 XI for my side are… Jos Buttler,” Pant said.
"Whenever he comes to bat, especially in T20s, I feel he can hit anywhere in this world.”
Liam Livingstone (England) - ICC T20I Batting Ranking: 83
"I love watching Livingstone, the way he has been playing over the last two, three years,” Pant said.
Jasprit Bumrah (India) - ICC T20I Bowling Ranking: 75
"Choosing Bumrah, there is never a doubt,” Pant said.
“You need a fast bowler so I'm going to add Bumrah for that.”
Rashid Khan (Afghanistan) - ICC T20I Bowling Ranking: 2
"And Rashid, he's been a mystery spinner over a period of the last six, seven years now,” Pant said.
“I love him and he can contribute with the bat too.”
Pant was included in the India XI for their final Super 12 clash against Zimbabwe after veteran Dinesh Karthik was selected in the opening four matches.
Both keepers have failed to make an impact with the bat at the T20 World Cup, making it a close call on which player will claim the spot for the semi-final against England.
But Pant had little doubt before the tournament which keeper he would include in his own T20I dream team.
Rishabh Pant (India) - ICC T20I Batting Ranking: 77
"Because I'm choosing this team, I have to be in it," Pant said with a laugh.
“It's compulsory for me to choose myself, that's why I went there.”
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