ICC World Cup 2019: Rishabh Pant Likely To Replace Vijay Shankar For Afghanistan Clash

India’s rookie batsman Rishabh Pant is likely to replace Vijay Shankar for the match against Afghanistan on 22nd June at Rose Bowl, Southampton. It was confirmed that Rishabh Pant replaced the injured Shikhar Dhawan. Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar also suffered an injury scare when he was hit on the toes by a yorker from Jasprit Bumrah in a net session on Wednesday evening.

It is reported by India Today that the team management is unlikely to take a risk with Vijay Shankar. Thus, Rishabh Pant can make his World Cup debut against Afghanistan. In fact, it would be interesting to note which batting position Pant will take if he gets a chance in the final XI.

Shankar injury is not serious though.

“Yes, Vijay was in pain but it has subsided by the evening. Hopefully, there’s nothing scary,” news agency PTI quoted a source.

KL Rahul had scored a good knock of 57 runs in the high-octane clash against Pakistan. Hence, Rahul is expected to retain his opening spot as he had added 136 runs with Rohit Sharma – who had scored a match-winning knock of 140 runs.

Subsequently, Rishabh Pant can bat at number four position if gets a chance to play. On the other hand, Vijay Shankar had a dream World Cup debut as he had struck on the first very ball he bowled to Imam-ul-Haq. Shankar had scalped two wickets and it would be unfortunate for him if he misses out. In fact, it is reported that it is not a serious injury for Vijay Shankar.

Meanwhile, India has had a good World Cup campaign thus far. The Men in Blue have won three out of their four matches and they are placed at the fourth position in the points table. In fact, India and New Zealand are the only two sides who are yet to be defeated in the tournament.