Under-pressure Rishabh Pant Scores Impressive Fifty Ahead Of First Test Against New Zealand

Rishabh Pant has presented a strong case for his inclusion in the playing eleven for the upcoming first Test against New Zealand by impressing in the just-concluded warm-up clash against New Zealand XI. The highly-rated wicketkeeper batsman has lost his place in the playing eleven across formats.

At the start of the home season last year, India recalled veteran Wriddhiman Saha in the playing eleven to keep the wickets on the turning pitches. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke as Saha did a splendid job behind the stumps. Such was Saha’s performance that skipper Virat Kohli and head coach Ravi Shastri hailed him as the best in the world.

But it looks like Rishabh Pant is set to get the nod ahead of Saha in the first Test against New Zealand. While Saha is regarded as better wicketkeeper than Pant, the latter’s batting works in his favour in overseas Tests. Rishabh Pant has already scored Test centuries in England and Australia and has further enhanced his chance by scoring a fine fifty in the warm-up game.

After scoring just seven in the first innings, the left-handed batsman scored 70 in the second innings as the three-day match ended in a draw. It was a typical Rishabh Pant knock as he slammed four fours and as many sixes during his 65-ball stay on the crease. He reached his fifty off 53 balls with a six.

Along with Saha, opening batsman Mayank Agarwal impressed too. The right-handed batsman, who fell for just one in the first innings, scored 81 in the second as India scored 252 for 4 before the match ended in a draw. Saha was also looking impressive with the bat as he scored an unbeaten 30 before the game ended. In the first innings, India were all out for 263 before bowling out New Zealand XI for 235.

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