Ahead of the fourth Test between England and India at Old Trafford, the visitors’ injury list has drawn interest, as has the prospective team combination. Rishabh Pant’s fitness and likely return to full-time wicketkeeping have been a key topic of discussion. Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar discussed Pant’s availability and India’s bowling lineup for the must-win match.
Pant, who injured his left index finger during the Lord’s Test, missed the majority of his wicketkeeping responsibilities. However, he batted in both innings and prepared for the fourth Test. On Tuesday, skipper Shubman Gill said that Pant is fit and would play at Old Trafford. Bangar described Pant’s comeback behind the stumps as a very encouraging indication, pointing out how it balances India’s team structure.
“Pant’s availability as a wicketkeeper is a very good indicator because it helps to maintain the team’s structure. If there is any pain, KL Rahul is a possible backup option with the gloves. Overall, Pant’s wicket-keeping provides India with the solidity it requires in its playing XI. Pant is also mentally strong and thrives on stage.
He thrives in challenging conditions. In fact, I’ve seen several players perform better even when they have a niggle, simply because their attention is sharper. Wicketkeeping is a duty that requires you to be focused throughout the game. And if Rishabh is ready to go, it indicates that he has recovered well — because the Indian squad would not risk playing someone who isn’t fit enough,” he remarked exclusively on ‘Follow The Blues’.
Bangar also stated that if there were any problems, KL Rahul may be a backup option. With Dhruv Jurel’s blunders behind the stumps at Lord’s, India will look to Pant as a full-time keeper to level the series.
Kuldeep Yadav should have played from the first test itself. Sanjay Bangar
Meanwhile, India’s injury list revealed that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy would miss the series. Arshdeep Singh injured his hand during practice, while pacer Akash Deep will miss the Manchester Test owing to a groin injury. In his place, Haryana’s Anshul Kamboj is expected to make his debut. Jasprit Bumrah’s availability is good news for the visitors, since Mohammed Siraj is anticipated to play alongside him with the new ball. However, the third seamer spot remains uncertain, with Prasidh Krishna and Kamboj vying for it.
Kuldeep Yadav is also receiving attention as a result of these selection issues. Kuldeep has yet to play a Test, although there have been appeals for his inclusion. Bangar says Kuldeep should have started from the first test.
“If India had assessed the conditions right, Kuldeep Yadav should have started in the first Test alone. Now when he hasn’t played in any of the games and the players who have taken his place have done well, things get tough. Washington Sundar, for example, played a critical role in pulling India back into the game at Lord’s with his four-wicket haul; it’s difficult to leave someone like that out of the starting XI. If Kuldeep is called in to bat at No. 7, it may jeopardise the team’s desired batting depth. “I see Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar playing alongside the three main pacers,” he explained.
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