Australian spin great Shane Warne has said that young Rishabh Pant can play as a specialist batsman in the Indian ODI team and went on to back him to open alongside Rohit Sharma.
“There has been talk if Rishabh Pant can play in the side. I think Dhoni and Pant both can play. I can’t see why Rishabh Pant can’t play as a batsman, he is outstanding. Maybe even open the batting with Rohit Sharma,” Warne told India Today.
“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,” said the Australian legend.
Warne wants India to experiment with their top-order in the upcoming home series against Australia, starting February 24 with the first T20. “It could be worth throwing Rishabh Pant at the top of the order for a couple of games and see how he goes. Maybe against Australia now and experiment and see how he goes for the World Cup.”
“Dhawan may have a role to play somewhere else. But I am really looking forward to seeing what India have because they have a lot of players who can do a lot of roles,” said the 49-year-old.
Talking about Indian cricket, Warne said its national team can dominate the world for years. “I think India can now have a dominant time in world cricket if they can keep their players on the park, the players stay hungry and value the opportunity and be grateful to play Test cricket.”