India’s wicketkeeping woes may finally be over as Rishabh Pant is likely to play in the 4th Test at Old Trafford, Manchester.
After Dhruv Jurel’s costly mistakes behind the stumps at Lord’s, Pant’s comeback may bring the sharpness and stability India so desperately needs in a must-win game.
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Pant missed the last Test due to a finger injury but now looks to be fully fit. His return will not only strengthen the keeping unit but also the batting line up.
Jurel was given the gloves in his absence but failed to grab the opportunity, with India hurting at crucial stages.
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Pant is just 19 runs away from becoming the first ever overseas wicketkeeper-batter to score 1000 Test runs in England.
He has 981 runs in 12 Tests (23 innings) at an average of 42.65 with 4 centuries and 4 fifties to his name. Even legends like MS Dhoni (778 runs) and Adam Gilchrist (521 runs) couldn’t reach this mark.
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Despite missing a game, Pant is the second highest run-scorer in the series. He has 425 runs in 6 innings at an average of 70.83 with 2 centuries and 2 fifties.
His ability to shift the game with both bat and gloves has made him India’s most important player in English conditions. India is 2-1 down in the 5 match series and the pressure at Manchester will be huge.
With the series on the line, a fit and in form Pant back in the XI could be the turning point.
His presence behind the stumps will bring confidence and with the bat he can change the game in a session.
India’s keeping headache may finally end with Rishabh Pant’s likely return. After Jurel’s underwhelming performance, all eyes will be on Pant to bring back sharpness, stability and spark in a high stakes Manchester Test.
