IPL 2019: Four players for whom this season can be make or break before the World Cup

#3 Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant needs to prove his mettle with the bat alone.

When it comes to career timeline, Rishabh Pant and Rayudu are at opposite ends of it. While the former is still finding his feet in international cricket, the latter is in his mid-30s and doesn't have more than 2-3 years of cricket left in him. And yet, here they are, probably competing for the same spot in the playing XI, the No. 4 position.

Pant's success story has been an inspiring one. Hitting his first ball in Test cricket to a six was Pant's way of introducing himself to the world. He was fearless against the best attacks of the world and has centuries in England and Australia to show.

However, the over-attacking nature of his game has at times cost him his wicket. In a mega-event like the World Cup, the team would need each player to stick to the team's plans and if needed, curb the natural instincts.

Given that Dhoni is certain to play this World Cup, India is looking at Pant as a proper batsman and that would require more consistent performances. Pant needs to come up with some match-winning performances for Delhi to be part of the playing XI in England.