WATCH: Rishabh Pant reveals his reaction after being included in 2019 World Cup team as Shikhar Dhawan’s replacement

Rishabh Pant reveals his reaction: The Indian wicket-keeper batsman opened up on both getting dropped and recalled in Indian team.

Initially dropped from the Indian team for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant believes his performance in the Indian Premier League played a pivotal role for him being recalled into the team as a replacement for injured opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan.

“When I missed the selection, I thought that I might not have performed up to the mark. I thought of further improving my game.

“I did well in the IPL [488 runs at an average of 37.53 and a strike rate of 162.66 including three half-centuries] and continued to practice even after it got over. We all have only one dream of making India win,” Pant was quoted as saying on Chahal TV hosted by India leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

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Being asked about his reactions after being recalled into the team, Pant recalled informed her mother initially. The southpaw also revealed his childhood dream of playing in a Cricket World Cup.

“When I got to know that I have been called to England as a backup for Shikhi bhai [Shikhar Dhawan], my mother was with me. I shared the news with her right away. She immediately went to the temple and offered prayers to god.

“As a cricketer, I had always thought of playing [at least] one World Cup for India since childhood. Now when I have received the call-up, it feels very good,” Pant said.

Rishabh Pant reveals his reaction:

In the five ODIs that Pant has played so far, he has scored 93 runs at an average of 23.25 and a strike rate of 130.98. He might not have significant numbers but has significant potential which shouldn’t take much time for the conversion.