Friday, Apr 19, 2024 | Last Update : 10:37 AM IST
Virat Kohli, Ravi Shastri want to include Wriddhiman Saha in playing XI during Test series vs SA: report
During the recent T20I series against South Africa, 21-year-old Pant managed to notch up scores of 4 and 19.
Mumbai: Time seems to be running out for young and mis-firing Rishabh Pant, who failed to perform in the 2019 World Cup, West Indies series and the recently concluded T20I series versus South Africa. During the recent T20I series against South Africa, the 21-year-old managed to notch up scores of 4 and 19.
However, ahead of the Test series against the Proteas, the Delhi Capitals’ player has decided to go back to domestic cricket, to boost his morale and find some form with the bat. The left-hander is currently playing for Delhi in the on-going Vijay Hazare Trophy.
Nevertheless, according to reports, Pant may not be in the playing XI for the first Test match, which starts at Vishakhapatnam on October 2. As per the reports, the team management and selectors are looking to include experienced Wriddhiman Saha in the playing XI.
As per a source close to the Times of India, the selectors are trying to give Pant one last chance to justify his price tag, while the team management (coach Ravi Shastri and Captain Virat Kohli) want Wriddhiman Saha to be part of the playing XI from the start of the series.
The source said to TOI, “The selectors are in a mood to give one final chance to Pant in the first Test, but the team management (coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli) want Saha to play from the start of the series itself.”
Pant is the only Indian wicketkeeper-batsman to register two Test centuries outside Asia. Recently, ahead of the series against the West Indies, Pant received backing from chief selector MSK Prasad to be Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s replacement as a wicket-keeper across all formats. During the series versus West Indies, Pant scored 20 runs from two ODIs, 66 from three T20Is and 58 from two Tests.
“The problem is, Pant’s lack of success with the bat is hurting his confidence while keeping wickets too. His DRS reviews aren’t great. In Indian conditions, on turning wickets, he may struggle. Saha is a far better ‘keeper than him, and get a few useful runs lower down the order too,” the source stated.
