How India can use the series against WI to prepare for Australia

3. Stick with Rishabh Pant

England v India: Specsavers 5th Test - Day Five

In his 4 Test matches in SA and Australia, Wriddhiman Saha averaged less than 15 with a top score of 35. While there haven’t been enough matches to judge his caliber, it seems as though Saha has been in the side more for his wicket keeping skills than his batting skills. It will be a little harsh on Saha given that he is the best wicket keeper in the country for test cricket, but I feel India should persist with Rishabh Pant when we tour down under.

Pant’s game is suited for the lower order role of scoring quick runs specially while playing with the tail. If India persists with the 6-5 strategy, Pant’s role becomes an important piece of the puzzle. He has the potential to play some match defining innings through the course of the series. The innings that he played at the Oval should have given him a lot of confidence. While his keeping skills will be tested on bouncy Australian wickets, it will still be easier than the turning subcontinent tracks. Given Saha is currently injured, the two tests against WI will be a good chance for Pant to improve his keeping and get a few runs under his belt as well.

For Saha, I don’t feel this is the end of the road. His services will be needed during the next home season, especially when Pant will probably be a regular in other formats as well post the 2019 WC.

Picture 3: Wicket Keepers across the globe make significant contributions with the bat