England vs India: Rishabh Pant likely to make his Test debut at Trent Bridge

Team India is struggling in the ongoing five-match Test series against England and the third Test will once again witness a few changes to the line-up. A Test debut for Rishabh Pant is looking certain after the way Dinesh Karthik has fared so far in four innings. His inclusion at 6 or 7 will surely enlighten the batting order and might change the dynamics. However, one can only hope for it now.

Karthik’s poor show has been startling to say the least as he had whacked 80 odd runs in the only warm-up game and many had felt that he will be able to reignite his Test career on this tour. Actually, it has turned worse. The scores of 0,20,1 and 0 have left everything shocked. More than anything, his technique doesn’t look good to compete in swinging conditions.

He has also struggled with the gloves in hand. India has conceded a total of 30 byes in three innings and it all goes against Karthik which means the Tamil Nadu cricketer has effectively contributed nothing to the team’ cause.

Pant’s heroics

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has played well on the recent tour of England for India A. Even the coach Rahul Dravid looked impressed with his composure and frankly, the visitors are left with no option but to play him now. If he fares well, then it will be a huge blessing as it will solve a long withstanding problem for India.

“Rishabh has shown he could bat differently. He has the temperament and skills to bat differently. He is always going to be an attacking player, but the reading of the situation when one is playing red-ball cricket is required. We are glad he has been picked in the national team and I hope he takes this maturity and builds thereon,” Dravid had said in praise for the 20-year-old.

The third Test will commence on Saturday and the team reached Nottingham only yesterday which means the batsmen will get only a couple of sessions to resurrect their issues.

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