Rishabh Pant Should be in the Playing XI for World Cup - Mohammed Azharuddin

Former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin believes wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant should be in the playing for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019. Azharuddin believes Pant should bat at number four position. Meanwhile, Ambati Rayudu is likely to bat at the number four position in the ODI showpiece.

Pant can be the X-factor in the forthcoming World Cup as he can hit the ground running from the get-go. In fact, the chief selector MSK Prasad had recently confirmed that Rishabh Pant is included in the World Cup plans of the team.

Pant is in fine form in the recent past. The southpaw batsman was the second highest run-getter in the four-match series against Australia as he scored 350 runs. Thus, Pant will like to continue his good form going.

Meanwhile, former India’s captain Mohammad Azharuddin believes Pant still needs to work on his wicketkeeping skills.

“I think I would be very disappointed if India doesn’t win the World Cup in 2019. India has all the talent and ammunition to win the Cup in England. I think India should include Rishabh Pant in the playing XI and he should bat at the number 4 spot. But all said and done, Rishabh Pant still needs to improve his wicket-keeping skills in the longer format of the game, where focus and concentration come in to play,” Mohammad Azharrudin said while talking to Mid-Day.

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant scored a fine knock of 40 runs from 28 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand. Hence, Pant was able to add the finishing touches to India’s run-chase.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Azharuddin believes Hardik Pandya should learn to choose his words. Pandya had to face the backlash after his crasser comments on Koffee with Karan. Consequently, Pandya had to miss four matches due to his suspension.

India is going to be favorites for the upcoming World Cup. They have all the bases covered and would like to be at the top of their game. India’s top three batsmen have done the bulk of the scoring whereas the bowlers have also done a great job in the recent past.