Syed Kirmani Wants India To Play Wriddhiman Saha Ahead Of Rishabh Pant

Despite the victory in the first Test of the series, the former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Syed Kirmani, who also took the charge of captaincy feels that India should try Wriddhiman Saha in place of Rishabh Pant. He believes that Pant is still in his early stages to take the role for the senior team.

Rishabh Pant has been largely criticised for his poor short selection at crucial junctures in the game. He is currently India’s first-choice wicket-keeper across formats on their tour of West Indies in veteran MS Dhoni’s absence and has been touted as the favourite to permanently replace the former Indian captain in the future post his retirement from international cricket.

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Although his keeping was good in the first Test in Antigua, the left-hander once again failed with the bat and the questions on Pant’s inclusion have grown louder. Now, speaking in a function, former India wicketkeeper Syed Kirmani has said Wriddhiman Saha should replace Pant in the side.

Rishabh Pant has plenty to learn – Syed Kirmani

Kirmani believes that there is plenty to learn for Rishabh Pant. Further, he also highlighted the skills of Wriddhiman Saha, who did a decent job behind the wicket and with the gloves during his time with India.

“Yeh abhi jhule main hai (He is still in his infancy). But he is God gifted but needs to learn a lot,” Kirmani told PTI on the side lines of the launch of six outlets of Hearing Solutions. t’s the most difficult position on the field. Not everyone can do keeping by just wearing a pair of gloves,” said the member of the 1983 World Cup winning side.

“We have to judge on pure performance. Saha came to Indian side following his consistency at the domestic level. But when you’re out of the picture, somebody else takes your place so the likes of Karthik and Pant came into the picture. Now we have to see who’s is more consistent on the field – be it in batting, wicketkeeping or in terms of all-round abilities,” he added.

Well, it would be interesting to see whether India spare a thought on the suggestion given by Syed Kirmani. Mostly, they would stick with Rishabh Pant, as the chief selector, MSK Prasad and the team managed specified that Rishabh Pant is their primary choice across the formats.

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In the first Test, Jasprit Bumrah wreaked havoc with a five-wicket haul. He was complemented by Ajinkya Rahane’s long-awaited 10th Test hundred. In whole, India decimated West Indies inside four days. The win took India to the top of the championship table with 60 points.