Since MS Dhoni announced his retirement from international cricket, the debate over who should be India’s next wicket-keeper batsman has gathered momentum like never before. Rishabh Pant was the number one choice, but the left-hander’s inconsistency with the bat gave way to KL Rahul in cue ball cricket, while Wriddhiman Saha has stood his ground in the longer formats thanks to his holding skills. Sanju Samson’s recent exploits in the game’s shorter format have also made him one of the strongest contenders for a place on the Indian ODI and T20I teams.
Ahead of Australia’s long-awaited series, former India captain and current BCCI president Sourav Ganguly named the top two wicketkeeper batsmen in India today.
Ganguly also endorsed young Rishabh Pant, who has been criticized for not playing his natural game and scoring at a strike rate below 115 at the 2020 IPL.
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“He (Pant) and Wriddhiman Saha are our two best hitter-guardians in the country,” Ganguly told PTI.
When asked about Pant’s poor performance in the IPL and his hitting rate below 120 becoming a cause for concern, Ganguly said that Pant’s “tremendous” talent will definitely return.
“Do not worry. Your bat swing will return. He is a young boy and we must all guide him. He has a tremendous talent. Rishabh will be fine.
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When asked if Pant, who has already been eliminated from two white-ball squads, will be able to play test matches given that Saha is a better goalie and is also in good hitting shape, Ganguly didn’t compromise.
“Only one can play, so whoever is in the best shape will play,” Ganguly said.
Pant is not part of the limited sides of India in Australia. KL Rahul and Sanju Samson have been named wickeners for all three ODIs and as many T20Is as of November 27.
Saha and Pant are part of the Indian side for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy from December 17th.
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