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India’s dynamic wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant, hailed as a key figure in India’s historic series win Down Under in 2020-21, has faced scrutiny for his underwhelming performances in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With Australia and India set for a decisive clash at the SCG, reports suggest that Pant’s place in the playing XI could be in jeopardy.
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Rishabh Pant’s Struggles in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Pant has managed just 154 runs at an average of 22 in the series, far below expectations for a player of his caliber. Despite crossing the 20-run mark in five of his seven innings, Pant has struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. His aggressive shot selection has come under fire, with Australian skipper Pat Cummins repeatedly exploiting Pant’s vulnerabilities.
While Pant’s penchant for playing fearless cricket has been an asset, his current form and inability to anchor innings have drawn criticism. Reports suggest the Indian team management is weighing the idea of dropping Pant, with concerns over his repeated dismissals due to poor shot selection.
Dhruv Jurel in Contention for SCG Test
According to a reputed journalist, India might replace Pant with Dhruv Jurel, a rising star who impressed for India A. Jurel showcased exceptional form during the unofficial Test against Australia A, notching back-to-back fifties on challenging pitches.
Jurel’s inclusion could offer a fresh perspective behind the stumps and strengthen India’s middle order, especially with the series on the line.
Should Rishabh Pant Be Dropped?
Despite his struggles in this series, Pant remains one of India’s most dangerous Test batters, capable of turning games single-handedly. His performances in recent years have been instrumental in India’s success, and dropping him could be a high-risk decision.
| Rishabh Pant’s BGT 2024 Stats |
|---|
| Matches Played: 4 |
| Runs: 154 |
| Innings: 7 |
| Average: 22.00 |
| 50+ Scores: 0 |
While his conversion rate is an issue, Pant’s ability to counter-attack against world-class bowling has often proved invaluable. Moreover, replacing him with an inexperienced player like Jurel might unsettle the team dynamics.
Verdict: Tough Call for Team India
As the SCG Test looms, India faces a critical decision: back Pant’s match-winning potential or hand the gloves to Jurel for a fresh approach. With the series delicately poised, the team’s call will not only impact the outcome but also set the tone for India’s approach in high-pressure situations.
