Time seems to have end for Rishabh Pant who scored 4 and 19 in the recently-held T20 series against South Africa at home and is expected to be replaced by Wriddhiman Saha against the Proteas in the Test series. However, according to sources, the veteran Wriddhiman Saha is all set to play in the Test against South Africa which will begin at Vizag from October 2.

“The selectors are in a mood to give one final chance to Pant in the first Test, but the team management (coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli) wants Saha to play from the start of the series itself,” a source told TOI.

However, Pant has been facing criticism from the head coach, selectors and fans for his poor form. Although the former players like Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh came out for his support. However, he is the only Indian keeper batsman to score a Test century in England and Australia.

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“The problem is, Pant’s lack of success with the bat is hurting his confidence while keeping wickets too. His DRS reviews aren’t great. In Indian conditions, on turning wickets, he may struggle. Saha is a far better ‘keeper than him, and get a few useful runs lower down the order too,” the source said.

In MS Dhoni’s absence, Rishabh Pant has become the first choice wicket-keeper for India. However, MSK Prasad also said that they need to to be patient with Rishabh Pant.

“I have already said that post World Cup we have been concentrating on the progress of Rishabh. We need to be patient withprogress of Rishabh. We need to be patient with him, considering the immense talent that he possesses,” Prasad had earlier added.