Who should replace Rishabh Pant in India’s playing XI for the upcoming ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia? This is the question that has been doing the rounds in the Indian cricket fraternity for quite some time.
With Pant sidelined as he continues his recovery after being involved in a dangerous incident in December last year. With KL Rahul ruled out of the match too due to an injury, KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan are in fray to replace Pant in the playing eleven. Kishan is yet to make his Test debut while Bharat had kept the wickets during the home series against Australia before the IPL.
Bharat did well with the wicketkeeping gloves against Australia but his poor performance with the bat invited criticism for him. India would definitely want a wicketkeeper who can contribute well with the bat and it might tilt the balance in Kishan’s favour. While only time will tell who gets the nod in the playing eleven, former India spinner Harbhajan Singh believes Kishan should play the upcoming WTC final.
“Why Ishan Kishan should be considered ahead of Bharat?
“I think this will add more strength to batting as Ishan Kishan can tackle the new ball much better than Bharat. He is an opener too and is in good form. So if the second new ball is introduced after 80 overs and Ishan walks out to bat he can play as an opener.
“Rishabh Pant is an explosive batter and Ishan also has the same quality. Although Bharat is superb behind the wickets, I don’t have much confidence in Bharat’s batting,” Harbhajan Singh said on his YouTube channel.
Harbhajan Singh’s u-turn on Pant replacement:
It looks like not only the fans but expert like Harbhajan Singh is also confused about Pant’s replacement. While he has backed Kishan to replace Pant in India’s playing XI for the WTC final, he had previously backed Bharat to be a part of the team.
Speaking to Star Sports, Harbhajan had said: “No, I don’t think so. KS Bharat has been playing for India now. If it were Wriddhiman Saha, then I would say yes, play him. He has more experience and he’s a better keeper. If KL Rahul was fit, I would’ve played him over KS Bharat as well.”
The much-anticipated ICC WTC Final is scheduled to be played between India and Australia from June 7 at the Oval in London.
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