Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane In Scheme Of Things For ICC World Cup 2019 - Reports

Things are growing interesting ahead of the ICC World Cup 2019. Much to the same like every time, once again Indian selectors are aiming to make some much-needed amendments to the squad ahead of the grand event. The latest cricketers to enter into the things are Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant.

The unfortunate incident of Hardik Pandya and KL Rahul has left few more headaches for the selectors. Meanwhile, the form of Ambati Rayudu also made selectors rethink about the number 4 spot in the team.

In order to create a strong back-up team, BCCI is trying to bring in the likes of Rishabh Pant and Ajinkya Rahane back into the side. It is learnt that the team is looking at Rishabh Pant as the back-up batsman in the middle-order as well.

We want to keep back-up ready – BCCI sources

On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane has done exceptionally in whatever role he was assigned. Perhaps, they are eyeing to make him, as the back-up number 4 batsman to Ambati Rayudu, who failed to deliver the goods.

Recently, Rishabh Pant was asked to improve his batting and finishing skills in the 50-over format of the game. For the same, he was included in the squad against England Lions, where he would bat higher up the order. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the side.

“Recently, Pant has been told by the team management to bat up the order and get used to the newer ball. If need be, Pant could come in as a reserve top order batsman. The selectors don’t want a situation where they don’t have a back-up ready. Anyway, Pant was given rest to come back fresh for the limited-overs season,” a source was quoted as saying in the Times of India (TOI).

Apart from Ajinkya and Pant, recently, India called-up Shubman Gill for the New Zealand tour. He will also be tested in the 5-match ODI series and could earn the spot, as a middle-order batsman if performed well.

All in all, India has got quite a big pool of players to fill the slots in playing XI. But, it is the matter of consistency and ability to deliver under the pressure, which is something selectors are trying to find out.