All eyes will be on the team-sheets tomorrow ahead of the third Test between India and England. One key point that will be talked about is the decision on whether the hosts would back KS Bharat to continue or give their second option, Dhruv Jurel a go and hand him his debut.
Speaking with JioCinema and Sports18, the former Indian wicket-keeper, Parthiv Patel gave his two cents regarding the conundrum that the Indian team have. He said,” It’s a very difficult one to answer – KS Bharat has kept wickets brilliantly so far in the series and also in last year’s series against Australia, where he was given an opportunity in all four games.”
Despite praising his abilities behind the stumps, Patel was also aware of the lack of runs from Bharat which has been a cause for concern in India’s middle-order. “As far as batting runs are concerned, you do want runs from him and there is no doubt about it. Nowadays, wicketkeeping is just not about keeping wickets in the team, it’s also about one being expected to score runs and that’s something which hasn’t come in big numbers,” said Patel.
READ MORE: ‘Don’t Like it Used as an Advantage or Disadvantage For us’: Ben Stokes on India’s Missing Stars Ahead of 3rd Test
The keeper from Vizag had shown a glimpse of his batting which came in the second innings at Hyderabad with a 40-run stand with Ravichandran Ashwin. However, it did not amount to much as India went on to lose the game thanks to a brilliant bowling display by the debutant Tom Hartley who picked up seven wickets to give England the win.
Parthiv Patel believes that the decision to be made here is a difficult one. He commented,” So, it’s a very sticky one, where India sticks to KS Bharat for one more Test match or try to include a youngster in Dhruv, who’s done well for India ‘A’ and Uttar Pradesh. It’s up to team management to give Bharat that one more opportunity and see if he clicks. If he fares well, then it’s good for Indian cricket and if he doesn’t, then a promising youngster in Dhruv is waiting and get him straightaway into Test cricket.”
READ MORE: ‘Don’t Like it Used as an Advantage or Disadvantage For us’: Ben Stokes on India’s Missing Stars Ahead of 3rd Test
Speaking on the lack of quality wicket-keeper batters, Parthiv also admitted that there is a need for talented keepers who can bat as well. With the likes of Rishabh Pant out due to his unfortunate accident and Ishan Kishan opting out, the former Indian keeper believes that the Indian team management has the best two for the job. He concluded by saying,”At this point, there is instability and one can’t deny that. But you got to take chances with whoever you have and I think the Indian selectors have selected the best two wicketkeepers to play Test cricket for India.”
Comments
0 comment