Is Pant really an opening batter, says Pietersen

Kevin Pietersen has questioned Lucknow Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant’s credentials as a top-order batter, saying that featuring in the top three would be going “a little too far ahead” for the India wicketkeeper-batter.

Pant was run out at the non-striker’s end for 7 (9 balls) when the ball brushed the bowler Mukesh Kumar’s fingers and broke the wickets, as LSG were shot out for 141 in 18.4 overs in their IPL season-opener, against Delhi Capitals.

After LSG lost the contest by six wickets, Pant said he plans to bat in the top order this season, a move which Pietersen says will not let him enjoy his cricket as much.

“I think it’s a 50-50 call, but we’ll see. But (you’ll) definitely see me in the top order,” he told the broadcaster. Pietersen is not in favour of Pant opening the innings.

“When you look at the strength and depth of LSG’s batting, is Rishabh Pant really an opening batter? I think he might have gone a little too far ahead of where he was in the line-up compared to last year,” Pietersen told JioHotstar.

“Last year, he moved down the order, and now suddenly it’s, ‘I’m going to come up to the top’. I think he just needs to go out and enjoy his cricket.” The former England captain said Pant is only putting himself under further pressure by promoting himself up the order.

“Don’t force yourself into batting at (number) 3, enjoy the luxury of that position. I think he puts himself under tremendous pressure by opening batting,” Pietersen said.