Rishabh Pant’s role as a wicketkeeper in Team India’s playing XI came under intense scrutiny yet again as he dropped two catches off young opener Will Pucovski, allowing the latter to score his maiden half-century.
The visitors could have gained the upper hand over the Aussies on day one of the third Test, but Pant’s mistakes have handed the hosts the initiative. Ojha believes the southpaw needs to sort out his wicketkeeping problems as soon as possible, or it could cost the Indian team dearly.
Speaking on the YouTube channel ‘Sports Today,’ Ojha explained why Saha should be Team India’s first-choice wicketkeeper and not Rishabh Pant.
I am still going to stick by Rishabh Pant: Deep Dasgupta
While Ojha vouched for Saha as Team India’s first-choice gloveman, former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta believes the visitors need to stick to their decision of backing Pant in overseas conditions.
Before the 2019 home season, the Indian team management had decided that Saha would be handy with his wicketkeeping skills in India, while Pant’s batting ability will be crucial in overseas conditions.
Dasgupta wanted the Indian think tank to stick to that decision. However, he also agreed that the young Delhi wicketkeeper was repeating the same mistakes too often - something he needs to work on before it is too late.
Team India’s Pant-Saha conundrum continued in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under as Saha was dropped after disappointing with the bat at the Adelaide Oval.
Although Rishabh Pant played an impactful cameo in the Boxing Day Test, he needs to realise that his primary role is that of a wicketkeeper.
Pant’s blunders behind the stumps has helped the Aussies end a rain-hit day one at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in the ascendency on 166-2.
With both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne looking good at the crease, the visitors will need to pick early wickets on day two to stay in the game.
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