The wk-batter Rishabh Pant has faced some challenges during India’s match simulation, being bowled twice by all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy and Mukesh Kumar.
The dismissals have undoubtedly raised concerns for the Indian team management ahead of the Border Gavaskar Trophy. Nitish Kumar Reddy and then later Mukesh Kumar, who managed to breach the gap between Pant’s bat and pad to disturb the woodwork.
It is worth noting that the intra-squad match simulation allows players to bat again even after being dismissed. In the initial outing, India’s batsmen failed to impress with Pant showing glimpses of his potential in a few boundaries, Rishabh Pant seemed fatigued after sustaining a groin injury.
Rishabh Pant also encountered difficulties facing short pitched deliveries during the team’s net sessions leading up to the match simulations. In the final interval, both Virat Kohli and Rishabh Pant faced a barrage of short deliveries from Prasidh and Nitish.
While Virat Kohli appeared unsettled by some deliveries but managed to bat for an hour and score 30 runs, Rishabh Pant took a more proactive approach, attempting to counter the short-pitched deliveries with varying success before being dismissed by Mukesh Kumar.
Amidst the uncertainity surrounding skipper Rohit Sharma’s availability for the first test, KL Rahul took on the role of opening alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal where he displayed confidence and composure during his time at the crease, expertly handling short balls until bouncer from Prasidh Krishna struck his elbow.
The 32 year old was forced to leave the field and did not return, leaving India’s mainstays to continue their innings.
The five-match test series will kickstart on November 22 while the second test will be played on a day-night format under the stadium lights starting on December 06.
The third test will be played in the Gabba which will be held between December 14-18. The fourth test will be played between December 26-30 at Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The fifth and final test at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3-7 will give a promising dramatic conclusion for the exciting contest.
