Australia vs India 2018-19: Mohammad Azharuddin, Aakash Chopra Bats For Rishabh Pant's ODI Inclusion

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin and ex-opener Aakash Chopra have put their weight behind Rishabh Pant inclusion in the ODI squad. Pant scored a magnificent unbeaten knock of 159 in the first innings of the ongoing fourth and final Test match against Australia. Thus, Pant had created a plethora of records during the course of his innings.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant could be an x-factor in the upcoming World Cup. However, Pant is not part of the ODI series against Australia. Pant had received a few chances in the 50-overs version but hasn’t announced himself in the white ball format.

Both Mohammad Azharuddin and Aakash Chopra believes Pant’s aggressive strokeplay could be a boon for the Indian team in the ODI showpiece of 2019. On the other hand, former Indian skipper MS Dhoni isn’t in the best of forms in the recent past.

“India still have time to include him in the T20 and ODI sides. He is an attacking batsman and he should be part of the World Cup squad,” Azharuddin told India Today.

“He is giving us reminders that there is a lot more to him. Indian cricket needs to invest. You have got to start looking beyond one format for him. It will be a travesty if he’s not there. Every single knock, he is growing, he is showcasing his maturity. You need match-winners, game-changers. At least, having in the mix. MS is going to be there. Having Rishabh Pant is mandatory, looking towards the World Cup,” he said in a conversation with India Today.

Rishabh Pant showed his class in a magical inning in the first innings. Pant also became the first Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to score a Test hundred in Australia.

Rishabh Pant likes to hit the ground running from the get-go and the selectors could ponder to include him in the ODI squad. However, Pant still needs to work on his glovework as he can be vulnerable behind the stumps.

Pant can provide quick runs while batting down the order. However, the talented batsman still has a lot of work to do on his temperament. However, India will hope that MS Dhoni will find form in the big-ticket tournament.

Rishabh Pant has thus far played only three ODI matches in which he has scored 41 runs. Thus, he lacks experience in the 50-overs format.