Earlier last Saturday, India captain Rohit Sharma admitted that he does not believe in making last-minute changes in the playing XI. Rohit said that he has his playing squad ready for the T20 World Cup tournament which kicks off for the former champions on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground against arch-rivals Pakistan. But India’s batting legend Sachin Tendulkar has a last-minute suggestion for the Indian skipper and the team management on their playing XI as he directly backed Rishabh Pant’s inclusion.

Team India has its top-five intact, which comprises Rohit, KL Rahul, Virat Kohli, Suryakumar Yadav, and Hardik Pandya. It is clearly understood that Dinesh Karthik also has a spot in the playing XI, based on India’s recent playing squad in the T20I format. Wicket-keeper batsman Pant is the lone specialist left-handed batter, on whom India has to depend. But he is likely to miss out in the opening match against Pakistan.

Sachin has stressed the importance of adding a left-hander to the batting line-up. The 49-year-old former cricketer said that without any doubt left-handers always add in value and disrupt the bowling plans of the opposition. The opponent bowlers have to adjust, fielders have to adjust, and if the batters are able to rotate strike consistently, it is not something that every bowler enjoys.

Sachin further added that one should see what works well and the players must always play as a unit. Sachin concluded that the management has to figure out whom to send at what position and also check the opposition’s strength.