Rishabh Pant and Kris Srikkanth. (Photo Source: Getty Images)
With the ICC (International Cricket Council) announcing the schedule for the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023, millions of Indian fans have already started praying for team India’s success at the showpiece event, as the side is all set to host the tournament in October and November this year.
Led by Rohit Sharma, India will be keen on clinching their first ICC title since their ICC Champions Trophy win in 2013. However, arguably the biggest miss in India’s quest for the title could be the absence of wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant.
The 25-year-old was involved in a horrific car accident in December 2022 and has been out of contention for selection ever since. Pant’s potential return to the side is still unknown, and his absence could derail India’s chances of winning the World Cup.
Former India cricketer and a member of the 1983 World Cup winning team Kris Srikkanth is of a similar opinion as he said that without Pant, he is not sure whether India are favourites to win the tournament. He also stated that the Rishabh Pant factor would be crucial for India taking the marquee event into consideration.
“We don’t know the real truth about Rishabh Pant. If he was playing, I would straightaway say India are the real favourites. But Pant’s fitness is obviously questionable. Nobody knows how fit will he be before the World Cup. I doubt it, and a lot of people doubt, if he is going to play the 2023 World Cup. Otherwise, Rishabh Pant factor would have been very crucial,” Kris Srikkanth told India Today.
I believe Ishan Kishan is going to be a good player: Srikkanth
Furthermore, Srikkanth also talked about the possible players who could replace Pant as the wicketkeeper in India’s playing XI. Naming Ishan Kishan as a possible replacement, Srikkant lauded the youngster for his repertoire with the bat.
“Even Ishan Kishan, if he makes it to the team, he could be a dangerous cricketer. I believe Ishan Kishan is going to be a good player. I believe that guys like KL Rahul should be back in the middle order. He will be fantastic. You have Rohit Sharma opening, Shubman Gill and King Kohli, who is fantastic in this format and has been doing well. He’s been in form, so I believe India has got the capabilities of winning the World Cup,” Srikkanth said.