ICC World Cup 2019: Rishabh Pant Likely To Replace Injured-Vijay Shankar For Afghanistan Clash
Jun 21, 2019 at 11:41 AM
Injuries have always played a key role in the big tournaments for certain teams. Unfortunately, the latest victim of it is the Indian National Cricket Team. After losing Shikhar Dhawan and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, they are likely to lose Vijay Shankar for the upcoming clash. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant would be fortunate to make his debut.
Vijay Shankar took a blow on his toe during a rain-hit training session on Wednesday (June 19). The report also claims that a Jasprit Bumrah yorker hit Shankar flush on his toes and he was apparently in pain.
“Yes, Vijay was in pain but it has subsided by the evening. Hopefully, there’s nothing scary,” news agency PTI quoted a source.
Rishabh Pant could make his world cup debut:
As per the lines on India Today, it is learnt that the Indian team management doesn’t want to take any risk by asking Vijay Shankar to take the field against Afghanistan team. Meanwhile, it could work as a blessing disguise for the young Rishabh Pant, who replaced Shikhar Dhawan in the team.
Well, he would face a stiff challenge from the Indian batsman Dinesh Karthik, who is present in the team right from the initial game. However, the left-hand variety could well aid for Rishabh Pant to make into the playing XI.
Most probably, he would bat at number 4 for the team. However, there can be Mahendra Singh Dhoni walking at number 4 by asking Rishabh Pant to stay alongside Hardik Pandya to finish the game for the team.
All in all, it would be interesting to see how things would pan for the Indian team. As of now, the odds are with Rishabh Pant to make an entry into the playing XI of the team.
Coming to India’s campaign, the Indian National Cricket Team has started things off in a flash by winning against South Africa and Australia in a comfortable manner. Later, they faced a wash-out game before bagging an astounding victory against Pakistan.