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

#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