Rishabh Pant included: Indian stars who must perform in ODIs vs SA to save their career

Players under pressure to deliver [Source: AFP Photo]

The India vs South Africa Test series is now over, as the Proteas side humiliated the hosts and whitewashed the Indian team to win the Test series 2-0. India was expected to win against South Africa, but the Temba Bavuma-led side played some brilliant cricket to clean sweep the home side.

Now, the caravan shifts towards the ODIs as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to the setup, and some fresh faces have also been included. The ODIs also provide an opportunity for some players to prove their worth and for some, it could be the last chance to showcase their talent.

Here are 3 such players for whom the ODI series against South Africa could be the final hurrah in this format.

1) Nitish Reddy

Ever since his Test century in Melbourne, Nitish Reddy has witnessed a downfall in his career, and he has been hampered by constant injuries. Moreover, his performances have dipped, and the all-rounder is under immense pressure to perform.

His recent performance against South Africa was unimpressive and so has been his ODI career.

(Nitish Reddy in ODIs)

• He has only played two ODIs and was hardly used in his designated role. Nitish Reddy was groomed as Hardik Pandya’s injury, but he, too, has been marred with injuries and if the performances don’t improve in ODIs, he could be dropped from the side.

2) Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant is going through a rough patch after coming back from an injury, as the star batter failed to deliver the goods in the Test series against South Africa. Interestingly, with Shreyas Iyer ruled out of the ODIs due to an injury, Pant is likely to slot in at number 4, but the three ODIs could be the last chance for him to prove his worth.

(Rishabh Pant in ODIs)

• As the stats suggest, Pant has been given 31 matches to prove his worth, and the Indian keeper-batter is yet to flourish in the 50-overs format. He has an average of 33, which doesn’t justify his talent.
• Again, if Iyer comes back after the South Africa ODIs and Pant fails to perform, then the returning star will occupy the number 4 slot. KL Rahul is India’s designated keeper, and hence, Pant might not get a place in the playing XI.
• Hence, the batter needs to showcase his prowess in the upcoming three ODIs, or else he could be a goner.

3) Prasidh Krishna

• 'Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have both been rested for the ODIs, but when they come back, the duo will occupy the bowling slot. Plus, Gambhir has favoured Harshit Rana across formats, and this makes Prasidh Krishna’s life a bit difficult.
• The lanky pacer has been selected in the ODIs vs South Africa, and he needs to perform to stay in contention for future ODI selection. The team already has Bumrah, Siraj, Harshit, and Arshdeep; hence, Prasidh will have to be at his imperial best, or else, he could be shown the exit door.

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