England vs India, 2018: 3 reasons why Rishabh Pant should play in the third Test

There is hardly anyone in the cricketing fraternity who has seen Rishabh Pant bat and not praised the youngster. A person who knows him better than anyone else is India's current U-19 & 'A' team coach, Rahul Dravid.

Dravid has seen Pant grow from the U-19 level to performing well for the India A side. After the Delhi lad earned his maiden test call-up, the legendary batsman praised the southpaw's performance during India 'A's tour of UK.

"Rishabh has shown that he could bat differently. He has the temperament and skills to bat differently," Dravid told bcci.tv.

In the ongoing test series against England, the Indian team is struggling, especially with the bat. Currently, 2-0 down in the 5-match series, the game at Trent Bridge on Saturday provides the last chance for Team India to make a comeback of sorts.

No one apart from Kohli has impressed with the bat. Seeing the situation the team currently finds itself in, infusion of fresh blood is required who can play freely without worrying about reputation being on the line. Pant can be that X-Factor, which the team is sorely lacking.

So, here are 3 reasons why Rishabh Pant should be included in the team for the Trent Bridge test:

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#1 Attack minded option

In the first test at Edgbaston, Sam Curran's innings showed how a counter-attacking cameo can prove to be the difference in such conditions. Even though the Indians were on top, controlled hitting put the pressure right back onto the Indian bowlers, who had to adjust their line and lengths and set defensive fields.

The Indian batsmen, on the other hand, have been guilty of not taking the attacking initiative which has allowed the English bowlers to get on top of them.

In difficult conditions such as this, defending cannot be of much help as no matter how set the batsman is, there will always be a delivery that will be unplayable and get him out.

Rishabh Pant perhaps is one player who will be riding high on confidence after a successful 'A' tour of England, where he hit crucial half-centuries against the West Indies A and the England Lions. Also, after a successful 2018 IPL, the Delhi southpaw can take the attack to the English bowlers and disrupt their rhythm. If it pays off, Pant can change the complexion of the game.

#2 Karthik's poor form

Karthik has struggled against the incoming deliveries and has managed just 21 runs in 4 innings.

Performing well in the build-up to the series or in the warm-up matches but failing to deliver at the big stage. How often have we seen this from Karthik? The England series is just the latest addition to it.

Just a few months ago, Dinesh Karthik was the talk of the town after having steered India to victory against Bangladesh in the Nidahas T20 final. He sent the fans into delirium after smashing 29 runs of 8 balls, including a final ball six to seal the victory.

Everyone wondered why he wasn't a part of the Indian team, especially after MS Dhoni had retired from the longer format of the game. But anyone who has closely followed DK's career will know the fact that he has been many given opportunities but has never been able to make the most of it.

The Tamil Nadu player has averages of 25 and 29.75 in 26 Tests and 80 ODIs respectively, which at best is average for a wicketkeeper. This tour has been no different, having scored just 21 runs in 4 innings.

At the start of the tour, Pant was the reserve keeper and there was no doubt that Karthik would be the first choice. However, with enough opportunities being presented to the 33-year old, it is time to start grooming Pant.

Pant would be no stranger to playing under pressure situations having impressed all during the 2018 IPL, as he finished 2nd in the top run scorers list with 684 runs at an average of 52.61. Also, the Delhi batsman has had good experience of playing in the English conditions having scored a couple of half-centuries during India 'A's 2018 tour.

*All stats have been taken from cricbuzz.com

#3 Future prospect

The likes of Saha, Karthik, Parthiv and Ojha are all in their 30s

India's wicketkeeping options since the retirement of Dhoni comprise of Wriddhiman Saha, Dinesh Karthik and Parthiv Patel. All of these players have one thing in common: all are in their early 30s.

With gruelling tours to Australia and New Zealand coming up after the England tour, this provides the perfect platform for the Indian team management to bed in Rishabh Pant.

Moreover, it is not a hidden fact that the Delhi lad is the best batsman amongst the three options India have tried so far. The southpaw just needs to be polished more before he can dominate bowling attacks.

Also, barring Saha, no keeper could be selected purely as a keeper. All others have had their troubles while keeping. But with Saha out with a long-term injury, the fans are crying out for the inclusion of Pant for the third test. Afterall, Playing in such conditions will only help improve more.