Rishabh Pant played a scintillating knock of 159 not out in the Sydney Test to put India in a strong position, but rain came to Australia’s rescue as the match ended in a draw. He amassed 350 runs in the series, second only to the Player of the Series, Cheteshwar Pujara (521 runs).
The youngster also effected 20 dismissals behind the stumps to end a successful campaign. But he failed to make the Indian squad for the three one-day internationals that follow the Test series. The squad for the ODIs was announced in December last year.
However, chief selector MSK Prasad has revealed that despite Pant’s omission from the ODIs, he remains in the mix for selection in the 2019 World Cup squad.
“There is absolutely no doubt that he is among one of those wicketkeepers [for World Cup]. All the three shortlisted keepers are doing well. He is definitely part of pour World Cup plans. It’s a part of the workload management we are following”, Prasad told India Today in an interview.
“You have seen how many players we are resting these days. This kid has played the T20s and the four high-intensity Tests. Body also takes a wear and tear. He is having a few niggles, he needs to recover. I am sure he will come back much stronger.
