The veteran Indian spinner, Harbhajan Singh also reckons that Rishabh Pant should get the opportunity to stake his claim for a place in India’s 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup squad during the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia. Similar thoughts were earlier echoed by the Indian chief selector MSK Prasad.

Pant, who has not played too many matches for India in the limited-overs cricket, was picked over Dinesh Karthik in India’s five-match ODI squad against Australia.

During a recent interview with India Today, Harbhajan said, “This [India vs Australia series] is the opportunity for Rishabh Pant to cement his place in the World Cup squad and for KL Rahul, obviously this is the chance. If Rahul fails to get runs, then we should not be too surprised to see Pant as an opener and Dinesh Karthik could get a spot in the team in that case.”

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Bhajji also explained that the squad which has been picked for the ODI series against Australia will be India’s 15-member squad for the World Cup.

The Indian spinner explained, “I don’t think there will be changes in the Indian team for the World Cup even if someone plays amazingly well in the IPL, be it Suresh Raina or any youngster. I don’t think the 15-man squad will change unless there are injuries or so. BCCI is also looking at the squad in the manner of who to rest and how during the IPL, so the squad is more or less locked.”

Harbhajan, who was a member of Indian squad when they won the 2007 ICC World T20 Championship and 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, further said that it will be difficult for Australia to beat the Indian team in India. 

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Bhajji explained, “Given India’s current form, I don’t think any team will be able to beat them. Even if India give their 60 percent, they will win the ODI series 4-1. Jasprit Bumrah’s return is a big plus for Team India.”