Seeing Rishabh Pant not included in India’s playing XI in the Pink-Ball test has not gone down well with former Aussie spinner Brad Hogg. Hogg, who claims himself to be a big fan of Pant, said that Pant is India’s X-Factor in Australian conditions while adding that Saha is a better keeper than the left-hander. Pant scored a 73-ball 100 including a 22-run over. Yet, captain Virat Kohli and the management opted for Saha ahead of Pant for the pink-ball Test.
Brad Hogg tweeted about Pant’s exclusion from the first test, soon after India’s announced for the game was announced.
“Saha in front of Pant, interesting choice when Pant was extremely successful last trip with the bat. Just felt Pant had a bit more X factor in Auusie conditions. Must be worried with his keeping. #IndvAus #cricket” wrote Hogg.
Also Read: Rishabh Pant Bats Like Adam Gilchrist At No.7, Says Former India Cricketer
Saha in front of Pant, interesting choice when Pant was extremely successful last trip with the bat. Just felt Pant had a bit more X factor in Auusi conditions. Must be worried with his keeping. #IndvAus #cricket
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) December 17, 2020
Rishabh Pant’s Memorable Series Down Under in 2018
Rishabh Pant scored 350 runs and took 20 catches when India toured Down Under back in 2018. He also maintained an average of over 55 throughout the test series. Pant’s ton came just at the right time to make a case to be selected for the first test. However, Saha was selected over Pant in Adelaide.
The Indian team selection for the first test has raised a few questions among the Indian cricket circles. While Saha was chosen over Pant for the specialist wicket-keepers role, Prithvi Shaw was chosen over Shubman Gill who had a better outing against Australia A.
As it turned out, Shaw was dismissed in the very first over of the test match. He was dismissed by Mitchell Starc in the second ball of the first over.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Excited To Watch Prithvi Shaw Play First Test vs Australia
“Shubman has not gotten opportunities at this level yet in Test cricket, as and when he gets an opportunity, it would be interesting to see how he goes about things because he is a very confident young man. Prithvi has performed at the Test level but he would be playing in Australia for the first time. I think it is very exciting to see his progress as well,” said Kohli in the pre-match presser.
