Rishabh Pant Needs To Work Hard On His Wicketkeeping: Parthiv Patel

Former Indian keeper-batsman Parthiv Patel has justified the selection of Rishabh Pant for the second Test against Australia. India scored a series-levelling victory against Australia in the second Test in Melbourne beating them by eight wickets on day four. Parthiv Patel mentioned that Rishabh Pant, who replaced Wriddhiman Saha for the second Test, played because runs were crucial and urged the youngster to improve his glovework.

Rishabh Pant, who batted at number five, scored 29 runs in the first innings of the second Test. The left-handed batsman played a small counterattacking knock to shift the momentum briefly towards India. However, he dropped a catch off Ravichandran Ashwin’s bowling on day three; however, fortunately, it didn’t prove costly. India wrapped up the victory on day four by chasing a target of 70 runs.

Parthiv Patel highlighted that the Indian management remains aware of Rishabh Pant’s requirement to need his keeping skills and that he played the second Test since runs were essential. Thus, he feels that India must move on, expecting such occasional dropped catches and Pant must work on his glovework.

“Everyone, including the Indian team management is aware that his wicketkeeping is still work in progress. He’s playing this Test match because of his batting because runs were important, so you will have to move ahead expecting such occasional drop catches. He needs to work hard on his wicketkeeping,” Patel told Cricbuzz.

There’s a different type of preparation when you’re playing in Australia:

The former Indian cricketer claimed there is a different type of preparation for Australian pitches since the bounce is high; however, he highlighted that Rishabh Pant has played four Tests there. Parthiv Patel does not doubt that the 22-year works on his keeping but Pant needs to back himself more and stay focussed.

“There’s a different type of preparation when you’re playing in Australia. The bounce is a little more on those pitches as compared to India but he has previously played four Test matches in Australia too so he has the experience and knows how to keep wicket in Australia. There’s no doubt that he works on his keeping but having said that, he can back himself a bit more when it comes to pressure situations. In terms of preparation and process, he isn’t too behind but yes, he can focus a but more towards keeping,” he added.

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