The veteran wicket-keeper batsman, Wriddhiman Saha, and young opener Prithvi Shaw are likely to be dropped for the remaining Tests in Australia as India look to ring in wholesale changes after the batting debacle in Adelaide. It is understood that young Shubman Gill, after a couple of impressive innings in the practice matches, can be expected to replace Shaw as senior star Rohit Sharma will not be available until the third Test match in Sydney.

With Saha’s batting not giving any confidence to the dressing room, Pant can be expected to make a comeback to the playing XI as he had also scored a century in the previous tour Down Under. KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj are the two others in fray to enter the playing XI and those would be forced changes due to the absence of skipper Virat Kohli and senior fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, who is out with a fractured wrist.

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As far as Saha is concerned, he has never been able to deliver with his bat in SENA countries, but former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said that during his regime, certain plans were chalked out on the Saha-Pant conundrum.

During a chat with PTI, Prasad had said, “Look, our committee was clear that Rishabh Pant will be our first choice keeper in places like England and Australia. I believe Rishabh has worked on his fitness issues during the past month and looked in good touch during the pink ball practice game. So I would agree with the team management if they give Rishabh a go for the next three Tests.”

Since Shaw has wasted his chances, it’s time for him to get his technique back by going back to the drawing board. India also has teh option of bringing Hanuma Vihari up the order in the absence of Virat Kohli and Prasad, who has seen Vihari from close quarters, feels it won’t be a bad idea to play him at No. 5.

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Prasad had said, “Vihari has a very sound technique and temperament and he can serve this Test team for a long time. In absence of Virat, it would be a great opportunity for him and KL (Rahul) to stand up and be counted. I would prefer Vihari batting at No. 4 or 5 in the next few Tests and face the challenge. He is a gutsy boy and I have confidence that he will do well if given the challenge. KL can be a good No. 6 in this series.”