Farokh Engineer | India vs Pakistan 2019 |
Farokh Engineer. (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Farokh Engineer believes rookie Risabh Pant deserves his opportunities in the Indian squad. Pant has been selected ahead of Dinesh Karthik for the upcoming ODI series against Australia. In fact, chief selector MSK Prasad had also said that they want to give Rishabh Pant his chances before the World Cup.

Pant made an impressive entry into the red ball version. In fact, he opened his account with a six against Adil Rashid. Subsequently, the southpaw combative batsman went on to impress on the tour Down Under. The left-hander amassed 350 runs in the four-match series as he was the second highest run-getter of the Test series. He scored an undefeated 159 in the fourth Test match at Sydney Cricket Ground.

MSK Prasad, MS Dhoni, 2019 World Cup
Rishabh Pant. Image Courtesy: Getty

Pant has impressed with his pyrotechnics.

Consequently, Rishabh Pant deserves his opportunities in the white ball format before the World Cup. He has earned his chances and it is imperative to give him a go before the ODI showpiece in England and Wales.

“He (Pant) is a youngster who deserves every opportunity, he has the potential,” said Engineer as quoted by Telegraph.

Meanwhile, Farokh Engineer said he didn’t understand why Dinesh Karthik was backed again and again. Nevertheless, DK has done a terrific job for the Indian team in finishing the games.

“Dinesh Karthik is a dear friend of mine,” started Engineer adding “…there is a time, for everyone has his prime and you think about the future of Indian cricket and that is why I could not understand us picking Dinesh Karthik time and again.”

On the other hand, the former stumper believes India is fortunate to have the services of MS Dhoni, who is still fit as a fiddle. Dhoni is like a guiding light to the young players as he has done a great job in showing them the right path.

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Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik
Pant has been preferred over DK in the ODI squad against Australia. Image Courtesy: Getty

India favorites for the World Cup.

“We are in a very fortunate position to have Dhoni. At that age, he is very fit and he should definitely be in the team, who knows, Pant could even play as a batsman. He finished the second average in Australia,” said Engineer.

On the other hand, India has covered most of the bases and Engineer feels Virat Kohli’s team can go on to lift the coveted World Cup trophy for the third time.

“Virat plays a very strong part, I think, indirectly in team selection and so, he should because he is the captain, he wants 11 players that will give their lives for him, give the lives for India…fighters, that’s why we can win the World Cup.”

India is going to be red-hot favorites for the forthcoming quadrennial event. Men in Blue are in good form and would like to be at the top of the game in the ODI showpiece.

On the other side, Rishabh Pant will like to grab his chance in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. He has had a good start to his Test career and would like to impress in the white ball version of the game. Pant can change the complexion of the game with his power-hitting capabilities and can be an X-factor in the World Cup.

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Cricket is my first love. I want to be a wordsmith. I want to weave magic with my words.