5. Rishabh Pant (WK)
After a successful Test series, the Delhi wicket-keeper batsman will be looking to translate his form into the shorter format as well. With the big boots of MS Dhoni to fill, Rishabh Pant is surely the primary candidate in Virat’s arsenal who could do the job for him.
Pant has evolved as a cricketer over the years. His behind-the-stumps skills have improved immensely while his batting was never a question. Although he hasn’t featured in enough matches for India in ODI cricket, this can very well be his breakthrough series in ODI cricket. He has played only 14 innings in ODI and has amassed only 374 runs. Stats don’t reveal the true picture of the potential of this southpaw. He is yet to unleash in the limited-overs cricket.
With Virat having the option to go with either Pant or Rahul as the wicket-keeper, it is more likely that the slapdash batsman, Pant will find a place in the playing XI, considering the kind of form both the batsmen are in.
