Rishabh Pant is an indispensable part of the Indian Test team. A swashbuckling and buccaneering batter, Pant is India’s highest-ranked batter presently as per the ICC Test Rankings. Sitting in the 6th position, the wicket-keeper batter has played a pivotal role in the Indian Test team.
After a fatal car crash, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of action for a considerable period of time. As per Dr. Qamar Azam of AIIMS Rishikesh, Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of cricketing action for 3-6 months.
This naturally creates a humongous void in the Indian Test team as Rishabh Pant was the first-choice wicket-keeper batter. His absence paves the way for a replacement and in this article, we discuss 3 wicket-keepers who can replace Rishabh Pant on the Test side.
P.S: We have not included Wriddhiman Saha in this list because as per a few reports, Wriddhiman Saha is no longer going to be a part of India’s Test plans. This was confirmed by the cricketer himself.
1. K.S. Bharat
One of the first-choice replacements of Rishabh Pant in the Test side is Andhra Pradesh wicket-keeper batter K.S. Bharat. Even though Bharat is yet to make his debut in Tests for India, he has been warming the benches for quite some time.
He is India’s second-choice wicket-keeper batter presently and there is a high chance that he gets called up to replace the injured Rishabh Pant.
2. Ishan Kishan
One of the main reasons why Ishan Kishan could be drafted as a replacement for Rishabh Pant is the fact that he is a very aggressive batter. Rishabh Pant was primarily known for increasing the run rate and for smearing the bowlers all across the park. Ishan Kishan is also left-handed and can be an ideal replacement for Ishan Kishan.
3. Sanju Samson
Another exciting and talented player, Sanju Samson is presently in the scheme of things in the white-ball formats for India. The Keralite wicket-keeper batter has played 55 first-class games and has a decent average of 37.64.
His inclusion could be a good move by the selection panel of the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI).
Also read: From Gautam Gambhir To Anil Kumble: Cricket Fraternity Extend Recovery Wishes To Rishabh Pant
