Rishabh Pant not suitable to bat at No. 6 in Australia, says Anil Kumble

Former India captain Anil Kumble is known for his straightforward views. The 48-year-old remains the last captain to lead India to a Test victory in Australia in 2007-08. Also a former India coach, Kumble recently opened up on various issues related to Indian cricket and he was of the opinion that the wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant is unsuitable for the No.6 batting position Down Under.

Pant has hit a couple of 90s at No. 6 but in home conditions

Pant, who made his Test debut in England earlier this year, has scored a couple of 90s batting at No.6 in the Windies while he hit his maiden Test ton at the Oval batting at No.7. However, the 21-year-old, who is being seen as the successor of the legendary MS Dhoni in the long run, had an ordinary series in the limited-over matches of late with formers like Sourav Ganguly questioning his wisdom in shot selection at crucial moments of the game.

“No (I don’t see Rishabh Pant as a number 6 in Australia), that’s why I thought when Ashwin moved up the batting order to number six, India should’ve persisted with that. I certainly believe that Ashwin is someone who can contribute at that position, especially when India travel abroad. Even in the last series, Ashwin batted really well, he’s done well overseas. He has the temperament and also the technique. He just needs to be in that position for a longer period of time,” Kumble said in an interview to News 18.

India will face Australia for the first Test at Adelaide Oval starting December 6. While experts are seeing this as one of India’s best chances to win a Test series Down Under since the current Australian team doesn’t have big names like Steve Smith and David Warner, but Kumble felt the hosts have some decent batters down their order and India would need to be aware of that.

It can be mentioned here that the lower order of England kept on troubling India in the series earlier this year and Virat Kohli’s men eventually lost games despite being at advantage.

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