Zaheer Khan Believes Rishabh Pant Can Make it to 2019 World Cup
Updated - 27 Sep 2018, 03:48 PM
Former India fast bowler, Zaheer Khan made his voice on India’s middle-order sorts. It has been the regular concern for India, who tried numerous batsman at the particular position. Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan added a new bloke Rishabh Pant to test at the number four slot for India ahead of the 2019 World Cup.
Of late, Rishabh Pant is making a gradual rise in his graph with the sterling performances. He made his Test call-up count by scoring a century in just his third game and got bulk of domestic runs under his belt.
Rishabh Pant can claim 2019 World Cup spot – Zaheer Khan
The former fast bowler, Zaheer Khan, who also captained Rishabh Pant in Indian Premier League strongly feels Rishabh Pant can make it to the Indian team. With around 25 more ODI games to go, Khan believes Delhi lad will get his chance.
Currently, India is keeping their trust on Dinesh Karthik as the backup wicketkeeper and also given the place in playing XI in the absence of Virat Kohli. However, India might try Rishabh Pant purely as a batsman.
“I think Rishabh Pant can claim his spot in the team with about 25 matches to go, it’s still a long way,” said Zaheer, who is an expert panellist at Star Sports Select Dugout programme for the ongoing Asia Cup.
“The team management has been very open, trying different options, which is something that they will keep an eye on because he’s got the ability to change the tempo of the game and hit big sixes, which will be required in those death overs,” he added.
India can try five-specialist bowlers policy – Zaheer Khan
Recently, India got the major jolt when Hardik Pandya got injured during the Asia Cup 2018. Meanwhile, Zaheer Khan suggests team India go with five pure bowlers in the absence of Hardik Pandya in the side.
”You know there are still a few spots up for grabs in the bowling department as well and you would expect Hardik Pandya to come back, just to provide that balance. In these conditions, you can afford to play three spinners which work, but that might not be the case come the World Cup, which is something they have to figure out,” Zaheer Khan said.
“They could go with five specialist bowlers, three seamers and a couple of spinners or they would need to find someone who is going to be a replacement for Pandya if he is not available or fit,” he inferred.
It seems like Zaheer Khan has a valid point to consider by the team management. The absence of Hardik Pandya could hurt India at the crucial junctures of the game which needs to get sorted out as quickly as possible.
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Indian National Cricket Team Rishabh Pant Zaheer Khan
