'Time for Wriddhiman Saha to take the gloves' - Danish Kaneria suggests dropping Rishabh Pant for The Oval Test

The middle-order of the Indian team has been struggling in the ongoing Test series against England. There have been a lot of talks on the performances of keeper-batter Rishabh Pant as well. The former Pakistan leg-spinner Danish Kaneria too has put forward his thoughts on Pant’s current form. He has suggested that Wriddhiman Saha can replace Pant for the fourth Test at The Oval.

Pant kicked start his Test career in England in the year 2018. He also scored his maiden Test century at The Oval on his last trip. However, in the current series, Pant hasn’t been able to gather big scores. The left-handed batter has been placed under scrutiny as he has had a tough time in the ongoing Test series, having scored only 87 runs in five innings. The former Pakistan player thus feels that resting Pant for the next Test match wouldn’t be a harsh call.

“Rishabh Pant no doubt, is a brilliant cricketer, everybody gets form and loses form and if he is rested to regain his form back, does not mean he is out of the team altogether. I think it’s time now for Wriddhiman Saha to take the gloves,” Kaneria said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Pant is not able to play his natural game: Danish Kaneria

Rishabh Pant was in the purple patch of his career, having delivered some splendid knocks lately. He brought up some belligerent shows with the bat in Australia and also in the home series against England. But has been unavailable to register a big score in the current Test series. Thus, Kaneria praised Pant’s performances in Down Under and stated that he is struggling in the English conditions as he is unable to play his natural game.

“Rishabh Pant had a good tour of Australia, played well in the home series (against England) as well but since then he is struggling with form. He is not able to play his natural game, he is trying to score runs by stepping outside the crease.” Kaneria added.

Kaneria feels that Saha has the potential to stay firm on the ground and contribute pivotal runs to the team. He also lauded his wicket-keeping abilities as he suggested his inclusion in the side for the upcoming Test match.

“Wriddhiman Saha is available for the Indian team, has the time come to give him a chance because he seems like a steady player and is a brilliant wicket-keeper as well. It seems like he can stay at the crease, can provide runs if India needs like 50-60 runs down the end, so Saha can make it into the playing XI,” Kaneria concluded.