While, the men in blue are still not able to solve their middle order batting woes, especially the No. 4 spot, former fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes the young wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant’s attractive strokeplay makes him one of the contenders in the squad for next year’s World Cup, which is going to take place in England and Wales.

Zaheer, who is an expert panelist at Star Sports Select Dugout programme for the ongoing Asia Cup said, “I think Rishabh Pant can claim his spot in the team with about 25 matches to go, it’s still a long way. The team management has been very open trying different options which is something that they will keep an eye on because he’s got the ability to change the tempo of the game and hit big sixes which will be required in those death overs.”

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The former India pace spearhead also opined that India could go with five specialist bowlers in the prestigious event, with three seamers and two spinners. He feels that there are some spots in the Indian team which are for grabs in the bowling department as well and one would expect Hardik Pandya to come back just to provide that balance.

Describing the same, Zaheer said, “In these conditions, you can afford to play three spinners which works but that might not be the case come to the World Cup which is something they have to figure out. They could go with five specialist bowlers, three seamers and a couple of spinners or they would need to find someone who is going to be a replacement for Pandya if he is not available or fit.”

Bangladesh will lock horns with India in the Asia Cup final to win the title for the second consecutive time, having made it to the finals in the 2016 edition as well.