'He needs to wait': Ex-BCCI chief selector settles 'Kishan vs Bharat' debate, picks Pant's replacement for AUS series

Feb 06, 2023 04:43 PM IST

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The former BCCI chief selector has weighed in on the 'KS Bharat vs Ishan Kishan' debate prior to the 1st Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia.

With Rishabh Pant being ruled out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after a tragic car accident, the Rahul Dravid-coached Team India has roped in KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan as the two wicketkeeper-batter options for the four-match home series against Australia. First-choice wicketkeeper Pant survived a horrific car crash on December 30 and the injured batter is expected to miss several marquee tournaments in 2023.

The former BCCI chief selector has weighed in on the 'KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan' debate(ANI-PTI)

Weighing in on the wicketkeeper debate for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former India selector MSK Prasad has extended his support to uncapped gloveman Bharat. Prasad, who preferred Bharat over Kishan, wants the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter to wait for his turn in the longest format. While Bharat is yet to debut for India across formats, Kishan has played 13 One Day Internationals (ODIs) and 27 T20Is for the Asian giants.

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"Bharat had been groomed and earmarked as India’s Test keeper since the time he played for India A. He tried to do his best in those matches and has done well overall in red-ball cricket. He has been waiting for his turn and it appears he’ll be getting it in the upcoming Test. As for Ishan, he needs to wait," Prasad told the Telegraph.

Besides Bharat and Kishan, Indian vice-captain KL Rahul can also keep wickets for Rohit Sharma-led Team India in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, former chief selector Prasad feels that Rahul should not be considered as an option to keep wickets for India in the longest format.

"One requires a different mindset altogether to be a wicketkeeper in Test matches. It’s not just about doing it for some 20 or 50 overs. You may have to stand behind the stumps for an entire day or more. I think such a situation may arise only if Bharat fails to make use of his opportunities. They can then think of other options," Prasad added. Hosts India will meet Australia in the 1st Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium on Thursday.

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