IPL 2020: 3 Indian players whose T20 World Cup spot could depend on their IPL performance 

#2 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant

12 months ago, the talented Rishabh Pant was seen as a natural replacement for MS Dhoni. But things have changed drastically since.

After making an impression during the Tests tours to England and Australia in the 2018-19 season, Pant failed to replicate his success in the shorter formats. On the contrary, he has struggled both in front and behind the stumps across all versions of the sport.

In 28 T20Is since making his debut in February 2017, Pant has managed only 410 runs at an average of 20.50 and a strike rate of 121.66. Since his unbeaten 65 against West Indies at Providence in August 2019, his scores read 4, 19, 27, 6, 18, 33 not out and 1 not out.

An injury to Pant saw KL Rahul take up the keeping duties in the limited overs formats, and since then the 22-year-old hasn’t managed to find his way back into the playing XI. Rahul had a brilliant T20I series in New Zealand as India blanked the opponents 5-0, even as Pant warmed the benches.

KL Rahul's instant success as wicket-keeper batsnan has made things tough for Pant

Pant would now look to take the IPL route to put his name back in the reckoning for the T20 World Cup. Under current circumstances that seems a tough job, but a brilliant IPL might force the selectors to have a rethink.

Pant has a wonderful IPL record, which should boost his confidence for the challenge ahead - 1,736 runs in 54 matches at a strike rate of 162.69, with one hundred and 11 fifties.