India is scheduled to play the ODI World Cup from October 5 and now 101 days are left. India's team management is still trying to find the perfect combination. In such a situation, the selectors also want to keep several options for each position in front of the team management.
This is the reason why different players have been tried for each position in the team for the last one year. Suryakumar Yadav was given a chance to make his debut against Australia, while talents like youngster Umran Malik were tried out on the fast bowling front. Out-of-favour spinner Kuldeep Yadav also returned.
A number of specialist batsman and bowler options were also explored, so the selectors and team management didn't see the need for much brainstorming in this department. Apart from all this there is one department, on which neither the selectors nor any cricket expert has a clear answer. This is the wicketkeeping department. Indeed, with Rishabh Pant injured and BCCI's medical team trying to get him fit in time, there is suspense over who will be the first-choice wicketkeeper in his place if Pant doesn't recover.
In this story, we will try to find out the possibilities of four wicket-keeper batsmen who can replace Pant. Which includes KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat. We will be vying for these four based on performance, record, strength and weakness...
Now know 3 points of pant...
Scores runs in every situation If we look at Pant's batting record, he scores runs in every situation. Pant has scored 478 runs at home at an average of 36.76, while he has scored 303 runs at an average of 33.66 on foreign pitches.
Pant is a left-handed batsman who brings variety to the batting lineup. His presence in such a position brings variety to the batting order.
Runs the game from behind the wicket, does not come under pressure Pant runs the game from behind the wicket while wicketkeeping. He advises his bowlers. He has 26 catches and one stumping. Apart from this, when he bats himself, he does not come under pressure even when the top order flops and gets the team out of trouble.
KL Rahul has World Cup experience
KL Rahul has also played in the 2019 ODI World Cup. Then Rahul scored 361 runs at an average of 45 in 9 matches. However, after that he played as a specialist batsman. Rahul's current poor form may also undermine his claim, though his experience and batting can be taken into account. Rahul has taken 32 catches behind the wicket in 54 matches, while stumping two batsmen.
Strength - Rahul is capable of bowling spin and pace. He has the ability to play big shots. Even if the fielding does not suit him, he removes the gap.
Weakness - Rahul seems weak in terms of fitness. He is always prone to injury while batting. He is still rehabbing at NCA. In such a situation his choice will largely depend on his fitness as well.
Samson is a strong option, but not consistent
Kerala wicketkeeper batsman Sanju Samson is also a strong contender to get a chance in the Indian team. However, Sanju Samson has been out of the team from time to time. Sometimes due to form and sometimes due to injury. Sanju is a technical better. Knows how to play shots and also handles pressure. He also fits in at number 5 in Pant's place. So the team can consider this. Samson has scored 330 runs in 11 ODIs played so far. Samson has 7 catches and two stumpings.
Strength - Know how to maintain strike rate as per ODI format. Samson bats with patience. Does not lose wickets easily. Does full time wicketkeeping.
Weakness - No major tournament experience. There is a possibility of injury. There is no consistency in Sanju's batting. He has scored only two fifties in the last 10 innings.
Ishan Kishan has a double century to his name, but not consecutively either
Ishan Kishan is also being considered as a contender for Pant's place. Ishan Kishan has scored a double century against Bangladesh in ODI cricket. He has been a part of the Indian team continuously for some time now. Kishan has scored 510 runs in 14 matches played so far. Which includes 1 double century and 3 fifties. If you look at the last 10 innings his bat has produced one double century and 3 fifties, but Kishan has been dismissed for 20 or less 5 times. Talking about his performance behind the wicket, Ishan Kishan has 5 catches and 2 stumpings.
Strength- Able to play big shots. Let's do wicketkeeping. Experience of playing ICC tournaments from India.
Weakness - Difficulty playing spinners. Not many shots offside. Strike does not rotate.
KS Bharat is a good wicketkeeper but weak in batting
Indian Test team wicketkeeper Srikar Bharat is also being considered as a contender in the team. However, Bharat is yet to make his ODI debut for the team. However, KS Bharath was included in the team's squad for the tour of New Zealand in January this year, replacing Sanju Samson. However, Bharat did not play a single match. Bharat has performed brilliantly in domestic cricket. He has 1950 runs in 64 matches. He may be tried out in the upcoming tour and his name may be considered for the World Cup squad.
Strength: Wicket keeping can be India's strength. He took 69 catches and 13 in List A cricket
