Rishabh Pant marching ahead in World Cup selection race

The Indian team for the T20 World Cup is unlikely to feature too many surprises, barring the recall of Rishabh Pant if one were to term the selection of a proven match-winner with 33 Tests, 30 ODIs and 66 T20Is as unexpected. Whatever be that, the wicketkeeper batsman, who went off the radar of Indian cricket due to a dreadful accident more than 16 months ago, is in line for a recall into the Indian team.

His recent performances in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) seem to have given him definite edge over his other contenders for the position and the Indian team and the think-tank is believed to be convinced that he is ready for international action. Unless he comes up with abysmally poor scores, he could be on the flight to the US and West Indies.

Pant, who had a surgery to his knee, has shown that he is ready to bat and keep. Michael Clarke gave him a thumbs-up recently, saying he wants to see Pant back in India colours. "Yeah look it's great for Indian cricket, but it's also great for Rishabh Pant. I think the work that has gone into his rehab to get back to that level of play at any standard is an amazing achievement. He deserves a lot of credit for his hard work and it's great to see him on the field, captaining and playing well, batting and keeping," the former Australia captain told Star Sports.