Reports: Rishabh Pant could be picked ahead of competitors for the Bangladesh series

Ace wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who is known more for his batting exploits, has seen a downward ride of late. After an ordinary run in the West Indies and in the T20I series versus South Africa, the Delhi cricketer did not get to play in the recent Test series against the Proteas.

However, things looked rosy for Pant even a few months ago. After slamming a big Test century in Australia and playing well in the Indian Premier League this year, Pant was the cynosure of all eyes and also included in India’s World Cup squad as a replacement for the injured Vijay Shankar.

However, things have not been as good for Pant since then. His choice of shot in the semi-final against New Zealand when team needed him had irked the experts and fans. He did not get more than one half-century in the entire tour of the West Indies even though he got an opportunity to cement his place in the national side as the successor to Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

After failing to do anything special in the T20Is against SA at home, Pant lost his place in the XI to Wriddhiman Saha. The latter, who made a comeback to the national team after a long time because of injury, made the most of the opportunity that came his way.

Sanju Samson, Ishan Kishan are waiting to take Rishabh Pant’s place

Pant’s future now depends on the selectors who will pick the Indian squads for three T20Is and two Tests against Bangladesh scheduled next month. Will Pant, who averages above 44 in the longer format, be an automatic choice for the home series? There are also the likes of Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan who are waiting in the wings and could give Pant a run for the money in white-ball formats.

However, as per a report in Times of India, the selectors could persist for the youngster in the Bangladesh series. It will irk those wanting Samson but Pant could still have the edge.

“The present selection committee had identified Pant as the preferred choice to replace Dhoni. It is likely that would want to stick with him and give him enough opportunities to establish himself. Whether the team management is also on the same page is what needs to be seen,” Times of India quoted sources as saying.

The series against Bangladesh will start with the first T20I in Delhi on November 3.

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