Harbhajan Singh backs Rishabh Pant as back-up opener if KL Rahul fails against Australia

Veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has said he would not be very surprised if Team India picks Rishabh Pant as their back-up opener for the upcoming World Cup. After being dropped for the series in Australia and New Zealand, Pant has got a big chance to seal his World Cup spot in the upcoming ODI series against Australia. The highly-rated youngster has been tipped by many to make it to the World Cup for his performances in IPL and Test cricket.

But while Pant was initially in contention for a spot in the middle-order, there are chances of him being used as an opener too. In either case, a good performance against Australia will all but seal his spot in the World Cup. The selectors have dropped Dinesh Karthik from the squad to try out Pant. However, Harbhajan feels if KL Rahul fails to deliver in the upcoming series, Pant can be the back-up opener while Karthik would return in the middle-order.

Rahul is also making his comeback to the team. The right-hander, who had failed miserably in the Test series against Australia before being suspended for his remarks on a television show, is in good form right now. He scored 89 and 81 in the two unofficial Tests against England Lions, helping India win the two-match Test series 1-0.

Time and again, the team-management has shown it has huge faith in Rahul and the latter just needs a handful of good outings to seal his World Cup spot. However, Harbhajan feels if he fails it would be curtains on his World Cup chances.

“This [India vs Australia series] is the opportunity for Rishabh Pant to cement his place in the World Cup squad and for KL Rahul, obviously this is the chance. If Rahul fails to get runs, then we should not be too surprised to see Pant as an opener and Dinesh Karthik could get a spot in the team in that case,” Harbhajan told Aaj Tak.

Series prediction

The senior spinner also predicted the outcome of the ODI series, saying that the hosts would win the five-match series 4-1.  India will play two T20Is and five ODIs against Australia, starting from February 24.

“Given India’s current form, I don’t think any team will be able to beat them. Even if India give their 60 per cent, they will win the ODI series 4-1. Jasprit Bumrah’s return is a big plus for Team India,” Harbhajan said.

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