The Australian team has taken a 1-0 lead after having to register a crushing win by 8 wickets against India at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday. India managed to restrict Australia to a total of 191 and take a 53-run lead after the conclusion of the 1st innings of the game. Following that India were on 9/1 at Stumps Day 2 with the odds favouring the visitors.
However, the odds turned in favor of the hosts as the visiting team came down to 36/9 in first session of Day 3 and Australia chased the target of 90 with ease. In this regard, former India cricketer Deep Dasgupta reckons that in order to strengthen the batting lineup, Team India might replace Wriddhiman Saha, who has struggled to score with the bat overseas, with Rishabh Pant.
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During a chat on Sports Today, Deep Dasgupta said, “Couple of things, firstly he [Wriddhiman Saha] did not look comfortable, same with Prithvi [Shaw]. 2 innings, generally we say it’s just 2 innings we can’t judge, you shouldn’t judge, but again the look of it – both Prithvi and Wriddhiman just tells you that maybe it’s time you look at Rishabh [Pant] – that’s one.”
He further added, “And secondly, he [Saha] was your first choice, you’ve given him an opportunity and he did not work. Again, it’s no just the quantum, it’s the way he was batting. So I think it’s time to get Rishabh, one.”
Virat Kohli will be off from the next Test match, starting on Boxing Day at the MCG, and Rohit Sharma expected to make a comeback after the 3rd and 4th Tests. Former wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has, hence, insisted that the MCG Test requires teh inclusion of Pant who is a better batsman than Saha – who has managed to score only 9 and 4 across the 2 innings in Adelaide.
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Dasgupta also elaborated, “And secondly, now that Virat is not there, you would want to bolster your batting. Obviously, Rohit [Sharma] would not be available in the 2nd Test…so Rishabh for me, I think it’s time to get Rishabh.”
