Bangladesh vs India ODI series: India's Predicted Playing XI

6. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant has been India’s first-choice wicket-keeper in ODIs and Tests for the last couple of years. The 25-year-old has been the game-changer for the Men in Blue and has set the stage ablaze with his jaw-dropping knocks. The longest format of the game has been his happy hunting ground where the 25-year-old has scored 2123 runs in 31 matches at an average of 43.32.

Pant’s numbers in the 50-over format are not bad either and he has scored 855 runs in 29 games at a strike rate of 107.54. This includes a sensational knock of 125* runs in 113 deliveries against England earlier this year, to take his team across the line. However, he has not delivered the goods on a consistent basis in the ODIs. With the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan breathing down his neck, it is high time he vindicates himself in the format.

The swashbuckling batter brings an X-factor to the Indian team with his fearless brand of cricket. Moreover, his presence in the middle order provides flexibility to the batting line-up as the southpaw can be used as a floater and could be sent to bat in case of a favourable match-up. This is why the team management has backed Pant constantly and he would like to repay their faith in the clash against Bangladesh.