IND vs PAK: 'It was a massive surprise that Dinesh Karthik was picked ahead of Rishabh Pant' - Gautam Gambhir on the India playing XI

India and Pakistan are currently playing against each other in the second match of the Asia Cup 2022. Prior to the start of the game, there was debate on who should play between Dinesh Karthik and Rishabh Pant in the all-important encounter. Some suggested Rishabh Pant to make into the playing XI, while other argued for Dinesh Karthik's inclusion.

The debate, eventually, was put to rest after Rohit Sharma stated Rishabh Pant was excluded from the playing XI. Dinesh Karthik was given the nod and a lot of fans weren't too happy with the decision.

“It was a tough call we had to take between playing Dinesh and Rishabh, Rishabh sadly misses out,” said Sharma while announcing the playing XI. This decision from the Indian team management triggered reactions from all quarters. While the fans called it a ‘horrendous decision’, former India opener Gautam Gambhir also shared his forthright views on this decision.

Gambhir said he was surprised to not see Pant in the Indian playing XI and reckoned it’s always Rishabh Pant ahead of Dinesh Karthik. While commentating during the game, Gambhir said that

“It was a massive surprise to not see Rishabh Pant in the playing XI”. He further said  that “Unless it’s a niggle, it’s always going to be Rishabh Pant. Considering his form in the last few months in international cricket. it’s definitely Pant ahead of Karthik”.

"I won't experiment from now on because how many games do we have… this Asia Cup? And then you've got what… five more games, six more games and then the World Cup. From now on, you want a settled Playing XI. Yes, you can have your backups as well but that is the way I would have wanted. It is a bit of a surprise because Rishabh Pant has been an X Factor - Gambhir told Star Sports.

Talking about the team, India have restricted Pakistan to 147 runs at the end of the first innings. In reply, the Men in Blue have lost a wicket for 3 runs on the board. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are currently out there in the middle.