England vs India 2018, 5th Test: Dinesh Karthik Likely to Replace Rishabh Pant

Experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik is all set to return to India playing XI in place of Rishabh Pant for the fifth and the final Test against England slated to be played at Kennington Oval from 7^th September.

If reports in the Times of India are to be believed, then Karthik is definitely in the radar of selection for the Kennington Oval Test. He was also seen doing keeping practice with the regular slip cordon during the practice session ahead of the dead rubber.

Karthik was dropped from the third Test at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham to rope in Pant. As per reports, it was learnt back then that he had sustained an injury.

However, his poor form with the bat in hand was enough to keep him out of the XI. Rishabh made an impressive debut at the Trent Bridge.

Rishabh Pant was found wanting in the fourth Test

Barring the seven catches he took in the match, he also looked in good touch with the willow, especially in the first innings. He smashed Adil Rashid for a six straight down the ground to open his account in the Test cricket. The incident baffled many on the field.

Even the bowler was surprised by the approach shown by Pant. Even assistant coach Sanjay Bangar said that all the players and the support staff were surprised to see Pant going down the track in only the second delivery he faced.

However, when the going got tough in the fourth Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, Pant failed to make a point. He was dismissed for a 29-ball duck in the first innings. In the chase of 245, Pant managed to score a quickfire 18 off 12 deliveries.

Aggressive Pant took on the English bowlers and connected a few. However, the attacking instinct brought his downfall as he sliced a delivery from Moeen Ali straight to the cover fielder.

Additionally, Rishabh Pant also conceded nearly 30 runs as byes which saw many questioning his wicket-keeping skills. So, this pushes for the case of Dinesh Karthik to represent India against England in the final Test.