India vs Windies ODI Series 2018: 5 Indian players for whom this series is extremely crucial

#3 Rishabh Pant

The 20-year-old youngster had a very challenging and learning experience as far wicket-keeping goes in the tricky, swinging conditions on offer in England

Rishabh Pant burst into the scene with his explosive, attacking batting in IPL 2018 where he scored a mammoth 684 runs in 14 games an amazing average of 52.61 at an unbelievable strike rate of 173.60.

His tournament was laced with him scoring the fifth highest score in IPL history (128 off 63 against Sunrisers Hyderabad).

His fantastic performances in IPL 2018 meant that he got selected into India’s test squad as a backup wicket-keeper to Dinesh Karthik on their tour of England. After two poor performances, DK was ousted, and Rishabh Pant made his international debut.

The 20-year-old youngster had a very challenging and learning experience as far wicket-keeping goes in the tricky, swinging conditions on offer in England.

And he had a decent series with the bat that allowed to become India’s No. 1 choice for the test team wicket-keeper ahead of Dinesh Karthik.

His recent form with the bat against the Windies in the test series has earned him a maiden call-up to the ODI team.

The question is with India’s unwillingness to let go of a waning MSD, will Rishabh Pant even play against the Windies?

On home conditions against a relatively inexperienced Windies bowling line up, Rishabh Pant should find it easy to make an impression and help him secure a spot for the World Cup.

But irrespective of whether he plays or how many games he gets ahead of the World Cup, he must make it count as he knows that DK is breathing down his neck.

A couple of impressive performances with the bat and wicket-keeping gloves can get him into the World Cup squad.