As we look forward to the first Test between India and England in Chennai starting from February 5, skipper Virat Kohli has confirmed who will start as the wicket-keeper for India. Meanwhile, there has been a lot of questions with the management backing Wriddhiman Saha in home conditions.
After Rishabh Pant’s recent heroics in Australia, many expected the youngster to get a long rope irrespective of conditions. Pant played a couple of series defining knocks to guide India to the historic triumph to finish as India’s highest run-scorer.
Rishabh Pant to don wicket-keeping gloves – Virat Kohli
While there has been no doubt about his batting skills, Pant’s faulty wicket-keeping has always grabbed the headlines. And in Indian conditions where the spinners are expected to turn the ball a great deal, Pant credibility had put his place in doubt.
And exactly here, Wriddhiman Saha’s, who is arguably the best wicket-keeper in the business right now, came into the fray. The veteran wicket-keeper batsman from Bengal has given stability behind the stumps and also earned the support of skipper Virat Kohli.
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However, Team India skipper Virat Kohli while addressing to press conference on the eve of the match has confirmed that Rishabh Pant will retain his berth and that Saha will have to wait for his opportunity.
“Rishabh will take the gloves tomorrow. He has come along very nicely. He wasn’t part of white ball formats, but kept putting in the hard yards. We have backed him quite a lot and for good reason – something you saw in Australia. He is someone opposition will be wary of the future,” Virat Kohli said.
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Speaking further, Virat Kohli also confirmed that incumbent opening pair Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill will continue to open the innings for India. He also added that the management wants to give them a long haul thinking about the future.
“We are looking forward to giving Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill long rope as openers. We look forward to good starts in all the Test matches we play,” Kohli added.
