Rishabh Pant, ICC World Cup 2019, Manchester,
Pant begins training with the Men in Blue in Manchester. Photo Credit: Twitter.

Ahead of the India-Pakistan clash, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant is warming-up ahead of the much-awaited Clash of the Titans on June 16 (Sunday) at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Pant, who recently landed in England as a cover for Shikhar Dhawan. The southpaw and opening partner of Rohit Sharma has recently suffered a hairline fracture on his left thumb.
During the India-Australia game at The Oval, Dhawan received a blow on his hand when Pat Cummins injured him during a high-profile clash.

Thus, after battling through pain, Dhawan slammed a remarkable hundred before being ruled out for at least three weeks. Apart from that, the management is closely monitoring Dhawan’s recovery.

Pant’s fate lands him in England:

Dinesh Karthik, ICC World Cup 2019, Training, Team India
Photo Credit: AFP.

Meanwhile, the 21-year-old has already begun his training with Team India. Earlier, during the 15-member squad selection, Dinesh Karthik has impressed selectors who backed him as the back-up wicket-keeper for MS Dhoni.

However, as the lucky breakthrough has made a case for Pant, he would be keen to get a chance and prove his mettle at the world’s marquee event.

Now, KL Rahul is the first-choice option for the skipper Virat Kohli, who could bat at the top. However, the No.4 position has had witnessed different batsmen so far. With conditions deciding the place, it remains to be seen what India will offer at the particular spot.

Besides, it becomes pertinent that Pant has been named as an extra batsman, not as a replacement for Dhawan. Consequently, it reflects how management has shown a keen interest in getting services of Dhawan.

The Delhi-based star batsman, Dhawan, holds a great record at the ICC events in England.

Earlier, batting coach Sanjay Bangar has spoken highly of Dhawan. With India dominating Pakistan at the World Cup, the will be eager to make it 7-0 record against the Men in Green at the quadrennial event.

Meanwhile, India is still unbeaten in the ongoing event. They have played three matches to register two wins. But, bad weather marred their previous game against New Zealand at the Trent Bridge on June 13.

Here’s the video of Rishabh Pant warming up ahead of India, Pakistan contest at Old Trafford:

Tahir Ibn Manzoor

Tahir Ibn Manzoor, who tweets @TahirIbnManzoor (https://twitter.com/TahirIbnManzoor) - works as an editor for Sportzwiki.com. He has a great affection for longform feature writing. He completed his masters...