Sunil Gavaskar opens up on Rishabh Pant's playing chances in WC opener

Rishabh Pant [Source: Associated Press]

With each passing day, we are moving towards the most-awaited World Cup face-off between India and Pakistan. As everyone is getting ready to witness this high-voltage encounter, fans and experts continue to have their say on the possible strategies from both teams for this game. 

Legendary former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has added his name to the long list of pundits who have been vocal about the ideal team combinations for both teams. Speaking to the broadcaster Star Sports, Gavaskar explained India's probable eleven for this riveting battle. 

As the ex-opener put it, swashbuckling keeper-batter Rishabh Pant might find a place in the playing XI only if India decide to go with five bowling options, including Hardik Pandya. 

He also addressed the tough questions the Indian think tank might encounter while making their call with respect to Pant's inclusion. 

Here's what Gavaskar commented on Pant's chances

"If they decide to go with six bowlers, with Hardik Pandya being the sixth bowler, then he (Pant) may not be able to find a place, but if they decide to go with Hardik Pandya as a fifth bowler, then Rishabh Pant has an opportunity to bat at number six ,

"They would certainly want a left-hander in the middle, but looking at the top four, who are in such good form, you sometimes say to yourself, ‘How many overs Rishabh Pant is going to get in? Is he going to get three or four overs? And for three or four overs, is Karthik or Rishabh better?’ So, these are all the situations they will look at and they’ll take a call on this."

As it stands, India will likely field six bowling options, which in turn will force Pant to sit out. Their mouth-watering clash against arch-rivals Pakistan will take place on Sunday (October 23). 

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