Rishabh Pant's Path to the 2019 World Cup Team: Future Prospects and Performance
Rishabh Pant has been making waves in Indian cricket over the past few years, cementing his position as one of India's promising talents. The question on everyone's mind, however, is: does Pant have a chance of making it into the 2019 World Cup team after today's performances?
Current Standing in the Team
Rishabh Pant will be the first-choice wicket-keeper batsman for India. At just 24 years old, he has been consistently performing and contributing to India's wins. Pant is one of the best finishers in the Indian squad, known for his destructive batting and ability to score runs at a crucial stage of the game.
Despite whispers of his potential exclusion, the selectors have not discarded Pant. Virat Kohli himself has shown reluctance to include him at this stage, but with the retirement of MS Dhoni after the 2019 World Cup, there is now a chance for Pant to stake his claim as the next wicket-keeper batsman for the Indian squad. Given Dhoni's experience and professionalism, Pant understands that he still needs to refine his game to match that level.
Challenges and Opportunities
In a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup, players are expected to take responsibility and perform under pressure. The Indian team has opted for Kamal Malik (Karthik) because of his experience in handling such crucial situations. Pant, although a talented batsman, lacks the game sense and temperament to finish matches effectively. Even in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he has shown inconsistency, throwing away wickets with poor decisions.
However, Pant is young and has the potential to learn these critical aspects of the game. He should continue to perform well and keep growing as a player. It is anticipated that he will have ample opportunities to shine in coming World Cups but needs to polish his game first.
Future Prospects
While Pant is undoubtedly one of the best batsmen India has, he remains especially valuable in T20 formats. He lacks the stability in ODI middle order batting, as exemplified by the likes of Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma. Nevertheless, Pant's ability to score runs quickly can be a significant asset in future World Cups.
Some suggest that if there is a need for an extra wicket-keeper or a versatile all-rounder, Pant could be considered. However, with the likes of Dhoni, Dhawan Kulkarni, and Kl ?eklinde, it is unlikely there will be an immediate need for another player in these roles.
Final Thoughts
Virat Kohli's recent statements on performance in the IPL not having an impact on World Cup team selection show a clear strategy. His recent choices, such as retaining the likes of KL Rahul and opting for experienced hands, have been well-considered. Pant should focus on learning the game and continue to perform well, making his case for inclusion in future teams.
Until then, let's support him and hope to see him evolve into a complete player ready for the big stage in the coming years.