Sunil Gavaskar feels this youngster can play in the third Test against England

Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar is closely monitoring the performance of the Indian side in England at the moment. The veteran commentator feels that the Indian side is a lot more equipped in England this time around than they were four years ago. He was all praise for the Indian captain Virat Kohli is a recent media interaction. More importantly, the point that caught the attention of many was Gavaskar’s thoughts on the team combination.

While Sunil Gavaskar looked pretty happy with the team going forward with a settled lineup, he did suggest that the management could give a chance to young Rishabh Pant. Pant has made a mark for himself at the domestic circuit already. He is in the Indian squad at the moment as the reserve wicket-keeper. Gavaskar, as per the quotes in The New Indian Express, feels that Pant can fit in the side as a lower middle-order batsman, if not as a keeper.

“It is an opportunity for sure and for the third Test he might get into the team. In fact he might get in the team as a batsman down the order rather than as a wicket-keeper,” Sunil Gavaskar remarked.

Mentality of the selectors

Furthermore, Sunil Gavaskar feels the selectors gave a good thought before drafting Pant in the squad. They are certainly looking for a long term solution in the role of the wicketkeeper batsman. And Pant, by a good margin, is currently the top young draw from the Indian domestic cricket pool for the role in the side. He is an attacking batsman who has already shown his mettle in the Ranji Trophy, the IPL, and at the U19 level. He recently played for India A as well.

“He certainly is in the frame, the fact that he was chosen ahead of everybody else the moment (Wriddhiman) Saha was declared unfit, just tells you the thinking of the selection committee and team management,” the former Indian captain cited.

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