Rishabh Pant‘s health and possible return to full-time wicketkeeping responsibilities have been hot topics of conversation. Sanjay Bangar, the former batting coach for India, discussed Pant’s availability and the team’s bowling lineup for the crucial match. The visitors’ injury list and possible starting lineup have drawn attention ahead of England vs. India’s fourth Test match at Old Trafford.
Pant missed a significant portion of his wicketkeeping responsibilities in the Lord’s Test due to an injury to his left index finger. He did, however, practise before the fourth Test and bat in both innings. Pant is healthy and will take the gloves at Old Trafford, according to skipper Shubman Gill’s confirmation on Tuesday.
Pant’s comeback behind the stumps, according to Bangar, is a very good sign since it balances India’s team structure.
The fact that Pant is available as a wicketkeeper is encouraging since it helps maintain the team’s organisation. Additionally, KL Rahul is a good fallback choice with the gloves in case there is any pain. All things considered, India’s playing XI is more stable when Pant takes wickets. Pant thrives on the big stage and has a very challenging mind. He thrives when placed in demanding circumstances, which he enjoys.
Actually, I’ve observed that many athletes do better even when they have a niggle because it helps them focus. In terms of wicketkeeping, it’s a position that keeps you interested during the game. The Indian squad wouldn’t risk playing someone who isn’t fit enough, so if Rishabh is prepared to play, it means he has recovered well,” he stated exclusively on “Follow The Blues.”
Bangar added that KL Rahul might be a fallback choice in case there were any issues. India will be hoping for Pant to be a full-time keeper in order to tie the series after Dhruv Jurel’s mistakes behind the stumps at Lord’s.
Kuldeep Yadav ought to have started the first Test right away: Bangar
All-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was ruled out of the series by India’s injury list. Pacer Akash Deep will miss the Manchester Test because of a groin ache, and Arshdeep Singh hurt his hand during practice. Anshul Kamboj of Haryana is probably going to make his debut in his place. The visitors will benefit from Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, as Mohammed Siraj is anticipated to partner him with the new ball. However, Prasidh Krishna and Kamboj are still in the running for the third seamer’s spot.
In the midst of these selection issues, Kuldeep Yadav is also receiving attention. There have been suggestions for Kuldeep to be included even though he hasn’t played in any Test matches yet. According to Bangar, Kuldeep ought to have started the first Test.
“Kuldeep Yadav ought to have started the first Test if India had properly understood the conditions. It gets complicated now since he hasn’t played in any of the games and the men who have replaced him have performed admirably. For example, Washington Sundar’s four-wicket haul at Lord’s was crucial in getting India back into the match. It’s difficult to leave someone like that out of the starting lineup. The team’s intended batting depth may be jeopardised if Kuldeep is called in to bat at number seven. Alongside the three primary pacers, I envision Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, and Ravindra Jadeja playing,” he continued.
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