Rishabh Pant, Ajinkya Rahane in contention for cricket World Cup 2019: MSK

Calling Pant a 'healthy headache', Prasad says that the progress of the wicket-keeper batsman has been phenomenal in last one year across all the formats

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India's chairman of selectors MSK Prasad revealed that both Rishabh Pant and Ajinkya Rahane are in contention list for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019.

Calling Pant a "healthy headache", Prasad said that the progress of the wicket-keeper batsman has been phenomenal in last one year across all the formats.

"Undoubtedly he (Pant) is in contention. A healthy headache. The progression of Rishabh in the last one year is phenomenal across the formats. What we actually felt is he needs a bit of maturity now, gain more experience. That is the reason we have included him in India A series wherever possible," ESPNcricinfo quoted Prasad, as saying.
 

The chief selector admitted that he used to think of Pant as a "thick-skinned person" but now he sees him as a mature player who has shown a lot of commitment to the team's cause.

Talking about Rahane, Prasad said that the middle order batsman has shown some good from in domestic cricket, and is definitely an option for the World Cup.
 

"In domestic cricket he has been in form," Prasad said. "He is very much in contention for the World Cup," he said.

Rahane has been quite impressive and consistent in List A cricket having scored 597 runs in 11 innings at an average of 74.62.

Prasad also talked highly about the skill set of right-hand batsman Vijay Shanker. The selector said that they need to figure out how well Shanker fits in the dynamics of the team.
 

"In whatever opportunities he has got, Vijay Shankar has shown the skillsets required at this level. We have been grooming him through India A tours in the last two years. But we will have to see where he can fit in the dynamics of this team," Prasad said.

The 2019 cricket World cup is slated to be held from May 30 to July 14 in England.