August 13: Wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant was once an integral part of all three formats of cricket. He was appointed vice-captain and was a frontrunner for the captaincy of Team India.
However, circumstances have changed dramatically. Currently, he is out of the ODI and T20 formats and is only part of the Test team. Now, his path in this format is also becoming challenging.
The emergence of Dhruv Jurel and Ishan Kishan has complicated Pant’s position in Test cricket. Both players have excelled in their performances, creating a dilemma for Pant. Jurel has made significant contributions in Test cricket during Pant’s absence, stabilizing the Indian innings and strengthening the middle order.
There is a notable difference between Pant and Jurel’s batting styles. Pant is aggressive and often appears hurried at the crease, a style that has brought him considerable success in Test cricket, including match-winning performances for India. In contrast, Dhruv Jurel exhibits calmness and patience, successfully building innings in a traditional Test manner. Currently, Jurel poses the biggest threat to Pant’s position in the Test team.
Additionally, Ishan Kishan has emerged as a significant competitor for all Indian wicketkeepers in recent times. Kishan has made a strong comeback to the national team with impressive performances across all formats in domestic cricket. His outstanding display in the T20 World Cup further solidified his position.
Like Pant, Kishan is also a left-handed batsman. He possesses the ability to adapt his game to the conditions of each format, making him a valuable asset. His ease in batting both at the top and in the middle order enhances his prospects. After excelling in T20s, Kishan has returned to the ODI team. If Pant does not perform well in the Test format in the near future, Kishan could secure a place in the longer format as well, backed by his extensive international experience.
Looking at the Test records of Pant, Jurel, and Kishan: Pant has scored 3,557 runs in 87 innings across 50 Test matches, with 8 centuries and 19 half-centuries, maintaining an average of 43.37. Jurel has accumulated 478 runs in 16 innings from 10 Tests, with 1 century and 1 half-century, averaging 34.14. Kishan has scored 78 runs in 3 innings from 2 Tests, including 1 half-century.