Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant is on the verge to miss India’s tour of Australia. After Dhoni’s retirement announcement this is the first Australian tour for India. In the absence of Dhoni, the selection committee is in need to pick the best wicketkeeper-batsman who could portray MSD in all the way.
Rishabh Pant may miss Australia Tour
One of the major reasons for his exclusion may be due to his weight. Fitness plays a major role in games like cricket where players need to qualify the YO-YO test in order to get part in the squad.
Currently, the process does not compromise on the yo-yo test and that is where the problem lies for Pant. The source also said that the selectors will now speak to trainer Nick Webb before taking the call
“The Indian team fitness trainer had shared his perspective on Pant some days ago and we believe he’s overweight. Regardless of what’s obvious on the field, the BCCI and the selectors will have to take the fitness report on Pant into consideration before they can pick him. The selectors need to speak to trainer Nick Webb before taking the call,” a source told.
Option for Dhoni’s replacement
With KL Rahul in top-form, he could be the one backed to do the wicketkeeping duties in the limited-overs series in Australia. With Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan impressing in the ongoing IPL, they could also be in the reckoning.
Pant has been in poor form amassing 217 runs in eight matches at an average of 31.00 and a surprisingly low strike-rate of 117.29. He is yet to get a fifty-plus score as well. Not just his batting, he has also been bashed on social media for his shoddy keeping skills. All in all, it has thus far been a season to forget for Pant.
