Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar believes Rishabh Pant should get his chances while batting at number four or five position in the forthcoming series against Australia. Pant is likely to get his chances in the ODI squad and the Little Master wants to see him bat higher in the order. In fact, the selection committee chief selector MSK Prasad has confirmed that Rishabh Pant is in their World Cup plans.
Meanwhile, the southpaw batsman didn’t get his chances in the ODI squad against New Zealand despite performing well in the series against Australia. Pant was the second leading run-getter in the four-match series against Australia where he scored 350 runs. The left-hander also scored an unbeaten knock of 159 in the fourth Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground.
Pant will provide a left-handed option in the middle order.
Gavaskar believes it is crucial to have a left-handed option in the middle order. India only has Shikhar Dhawan at top of the order.
“I would look at Rishabh Pant because he brings the left-handedness into the top line-up. I would look at Rishabh playing in the 5 ODIs against Australia, because that will give a fair idea on how the young kid is shaping up with giving him a little more responsibility at No. 4 or 5,” Gavaskar said as quoted by TOI.
Furthermore, the former captain believes Dinesh Karthik can take up the role of the back-up opener in the World Cup squad. Thus, India can have three wicketkeepers in their squad.
DK can be the third opener.
“The left-handed option in the middle order I think is very crucial. I would look at Dinesh Karthik as third opener because you want to carry a spare opener in your 15 anyway. Even if you have three wicket-keepers in your squad, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, and Rishabh Pant, so be it. I think it will give the team just a little flexibility with the batting.”
Sunil Gavaskar went on to add there is going to be a toss between Ravindra Jadeja and Vijay Shankar. However, Sunny believes Vijay Shankar might get an advantage according to the English conditions.
Vijay Shankar might get a nod ahead of Ravindra Jadeja.
“It’s going to be between Vijay Shankar and Ravindra Jadeja in the squad for the World Cup, and looking at where the tournament is being held, I think it may be Vijay Shankar.”
On the other hand, Gavaskar also picked his choice between Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal. The former talisman batsman believes India should play Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Chahal when they will lock horns with Australia, England, and South Africa. However, the Little Master picked Chahal when India will take on Pakistan.
Pick Chahal and Kuldeep according to conditions and opposition.
“If I am playing Pakistan I will go with Yuzvendra Chahal, if you are playing with Australia, England and South Africa I will go with Kuldeep Yadav because somewhere they do not read Kuldeep. I’ll have both in my squad and pick accordingly because I do believe England, South Africa, and Australia perhaps not pick Kuldeep Yadav as much as they would be able to pick a little bit of Yuzendra Chahal.”
Furthermore, India has covered its pace bowling options. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah have done well in the recent past. Moreover, Mohammed Shami has filled in the shoes of a third seamer.
Pace battery looks settled.
“If I am looking for balance amongst the seamers, I would say no I am not looking for a fourth seamer in the team. The way it’s going with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammad Shami”.
India has ticked the right boxes in the recent past and the Virat Kohli’s men will like to hit the ground running in the World Cup. The Men in Blue will like to be at the top of their game in the ODI showpiece which will begin on 30th May.