'Seemed like it wasn't his decision' - Aakash Chopra on Rishabh Pant's batting position in Mumbai Indians clash

Following a prolonged recovery from a near-fatal car accident in December 2022, Rishabh Pant finally made his comeback in the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League. He was a little slow to get off the blocks, but quickfire half-centuries against the Chennai Super Kings and the Kolkata Knight Riders proved his immense hardwork and grit, even though both those knocks came in losing causes.

However, the Mumbai Indians clash at the Wankhede Stadium was an off day for Pant as he could manage only one run in three deliveries in a tough run-chase of 234. Meanwhile, former India cricketer Chopra confessed that he was in a dilemma regarding the batting positions of Pant and Tristan Stubbs, as to who should bat higher up the order. He opined that Pant did not seem too happy batting at No. 5 against MI, and the manner in which he spoke at the post-match presentation was an indicator that it was not his call to bat at that position.

Also Read: 'Many things are not in hands of players' - Ishan Kishan breaks silence on contract snub by BCCI

"I am slightly split between Rishabh Pant and Tristan Stubbs. Tristan has played two successive good knocks. I felt Rishabh Pant wasn't happy last time. He is the captain, but when he came lower in the batting order and was speaking in the post-match presentation, it seemed like it wasn't his decision," Chopra said.

'I feel Pant will come to bat slightly up the order against LSG: Aakash Chopra

Chopra further remarked that Pant's will likely come up the order against against LSG, which would give him more time to settle in before carrying out his batting pyrotechnics. With the dimensions of Lucknow's Ekana International Cricket Stadium being considerably greater as compared to other venues, Chopra feels it would be for the greater good if Pant is deployed higher up the batting ranks.

Also Read: 'To see MS Dhoni just once' - CSK fan buys match tickets worth INR 64,000, delays payment of daughters' school fees

"I am assuming that he was not too happy with that. So, I feel he will come to bat slightly up the order and give himself the entire time. If he gives himself time, the opposition team is capable of defending and it's a big ground, you will have to go with Rishabh Pant," the former Indian cricketer added.