Dinesh Karthik, Rishabh Pant or KL Rahul: Who should be in India's World Cup squad?
As the World Cup 2019 is coming closer, the team selection is getting tougher and tougher. India are more or less done with 12 players, and are left with three places to be filled: they still need a fourth pacer and two batsmen.
Khaleel Ahmed seems to be the best option for the fourth pacer at the moment, and it seems likely that he will be going to England for the World Cup. One out of the two spots is almost secured by Vijay Shankar, as he can not only bat but can also give you some overs while bowling if needed. His effective fielding also adds to his skills.
Now, for the final spot, there are as many as three contenders in Rishabh Pant, Dinesh Karthik and KL Rahul. And right now, Pant probably has the best chance of making it to the World Cup squad.
When Karthik was left out of the team for the series against Australia, many thought that his World Cup dream was over. However, the Chairman of selectors MSK Prasad stated that Pant has been selected over Karthik only because they wanted to try the former out in the 50-over format after his good run in Tests and T20Is.
As for Rahul, he endured a torrid run of form in both South Africa and England before controversy struck in the form of the Koffee with Karan episode. He subsequently missed the limited over affairs in Australia and New Zealand, and many wondered how long it would take for him to come back into the team.
But now Rahul has been given another chance by getting picked for the Australia series. And just like Pant, Rahul also needs to perform big to seal a place in the World Cup squad.
In simple words, the guy who performs better between Rahul and Pant will likely make it to England. And if both of them fail, then it would mean that the 15th member of the Indian team for the World Cup will be Dinesh Karthik.