Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is certain to be in the Indian team for the upcoming T20. World cup. Southeast is passing through a rough patch with a heavy pressure IPL The season after the T20 series against South Africa. Pant has scored just 58 runs in the five-match series against the Proteas at an average of 14.50. While his strike rate of 105.45 has also been a matter of great concern for the hosts.
However, head coach Rahul Dravid said the caretaker captain is still an “integral part” of the team for the South Africa series. India In the shortest format of the game.
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The Men in Blue are yet to finalize their squad as players for the upcoming T20 World Cup Ishan Kishan And Dinesh Karthik is knocking on the door of the selectors while youngsters like Umran Malik are queuing up to get a chance to showcase their talent.
Kaif said the upcoming T20I series against England will be crucial for Pant to cement his place in the T20 World Cup squad.
“He will be in the team (for the men’s T20 World Cup). But England tour will be important as an individual, you want to get back in form as soon as possible because very important months are coming, like World Cup in October and you want to see Rishabh Pant firing and doing his best, Kaif said in a virtual interaction organized by Sony Sports.
The three-match T20I series will be played on July 7, 9 and 10 in Southampton, Birmingham and Nottingham. Pant had a stellar run with Delhi Capitals this year as he scored just 340 runs in 14 matches and failed to make it to the playoffs.
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Kaif said that Pant has got the X-factor and India needs it for the mega T20 event.
“In the World Cup (squad), there are still a few months to go. Rishabh Pant is doing a great job for India. His form is probably not the greatest at the moment. He has the X-factor and the skills to do well for India. He has already done that in his short career for India.”
Kaif, who has played 125 ODIs and 13 Tests for India, said Pant has a long way to go with his age and has got the support of the team management.
“He is still learning as he is 24, so he has a long, long way to go, something like what Rahul Dravid said, you want a player with character and skill who can win games for India. Can you Pant has done this for India; He has got trust, confidence and support from the management.”
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