Gavaskar backs Warne's idea to play Rishabh Pant in World Cup 2019

The upcoming series against Australia will be India's final opportunity to sort out 15 players to feature in the upcoming World Cup 2019. After defeating Australia on their own soil, India will now be hosting them for 2 T20Is and 5 ODIs this month

Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar feels star player Rishabh Pant can open the innings for India. Earlier, legendary Australian spinner Shane Warne has suggested a unique opening pair saying that Pant can play as a specialist batsman in the Indian ODI team and even backed the talented youngster to open alongside Rohit Sharma.

The upcoming series against Australia will be India's final opportunity to sort out 15 players to feature in the upcoming World Cup 2019. After defeating Australia on their own soil, India will now be hosting them for 2 T20Is and 5 ODIs this month.

With Rohit Sharma likely to be rested in the T20I series against Australia, cricket pundits backed KL Rahul as a good option for the opening slot in the Indian team. However, Pant has proved himself in the red-ball cricket against England and Australia. Not only that, he was quite good with the bat  in the T20I series against New Zealand.

"Yes, why not. If you open with Rishab Pant, it opens up a third option for you as well. If he does well at the top, he is someone who can also be played in the middle order," Gavaskar told India Today.

"I can't see why Rishabh Pant can't play as a batsman. He is outstanding. Maybe even open the batting with Rohit Sharma. I know Shikhar Dhawan does a great job but Rishabh Pant opening the batting with Rohit Sharma could be pretty cool too for India. Go with some of these X-factor type things and tactical battles where you surprise the opposition," he added.

Rishabh Pant has certainly evolved as one of the efficient cricketers who would touch new skies in the future. His potential in the red-ball cricket has already been tested and now, he is much-ahead in the World Cup squad race. The Indian selectors are already palpating him to finalise his place on the flight to England.