Selectors favored Rishabh Pant over Ruturaj Gaikwad for a middle-order backup role, with Shreyas Iyer's return from injury being a key factor. While Gaikwad impressed, Iyer's established status was prioritized. Analyst Ravichandran Ashwin suggested Pant's left-handed batting provided a crucial advantage in a team dominated by right-handers, despite debates about Pant's recent white-ball form. Ashwin acknowledged Gaikwad's middle-overs ability but noted Pant's left-handedness as a deciding selectorial factor.