Indian wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant walked out to open the innings with Rohit Sharma in the 2nd ODI was a surprise for many. For the first time, Pant was allowed to bat at the top in the 50-over format. This move made all think and drew eyeballs even more because KL Rahul, who usually opens the innings, was back in the XI after missing the first ODI due to personal reasons. Pant took his time early on but just gave up his wicket when he looked set on the crease.

Rohit Sharma revealed that Pant opening the batting would make people happy but it is not a “permanent” move. As a captain, he was trying out “different things”. The Indian skipper admitted that he has been asked to do different things, so this was different.

Rohit dropped a big hint about the opening pair for the final ODI against the Windies. Rohit intimated that Shikhar Dhawan is likely to get his spot back in the XI. The left-handed attacking batter missed the two ODIs after testing positive for COVID-19. Dhawan resumed training ahead of the 2nd ODI but the team management waited for him to regain full fitness.

Rohit feels that Dhawan needs some game time. Rohit concluded that it is not always the results and they want to try a few things to make the team stronger. So it would make any impact even if the team loses the odd game in the process. This means that KL Rahul might play in the middle-order as the no.4 batter.