India Should Start with KL Rahul as Keeper Ahead of Pant: Bangar
The ongoing three-match ODI series between India and England has brought forth several talking points, and one of the most debated topics is the wicket-keeping position. With Rishabh Pant struggling to find consistency and KL Rahul showing promise with both bat and gloves, the debate has intensified. Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has weighed in on the issue, advocating for KL Rahul to be the first-choice wicket-keeper ahead of Rishabh Pant.
Bangar, who was part of the Indian coaching staff from 2014 to 2019, has been following the progress of both Rahul and Pant closely. In a recent interview, he expressed his opinion on the wicket-keeping conundrum, stating that Rahul’s all-round performance makes him a more viable option for the role.
“KL Rahul has been doing very well both with the bat and keeping wickets. He has been keeping wickets well and has also been scoring runs consistently. It’s a good strategy to give him the lead behind the stumps,” Bangar said.
Rahul, who made his international debut in 2014, has been an integral part of the Indian team across formats. His versatility has been a significant asset, as he has batted at various positions and has also kept wickets in several games. His experience in Big Bash League (BBL) and Indian Premier League (IPL) has also honed his keeping skills.
On the other hand, Pant has struggled to find consistency in his wicket-keeping and batting. Although he has shown flashes of brilliance, his overall performance has been patchy. His struggles with glove work have led to several dropped catches and misadventures behind the stumps.
Bangar’s suggestion is not entirely unfounded. Rahul’s keeping skills have improved significantly over the past year, and he has shown an ability to handle the pressure of keeping wickets in big games. In the recent Test series against England, Rahul kept wickets in the first two Tests and performed admirably, taking 11 catches and stumping two batsmen.
Moreover, Rahul’s batting has been in top gear, with three half-centuries in the last five matches. His ability to score runs in all conditions has made him a valuable asset for the team. By giving him the responsibility of keeping wickets, the team can benefit from his all-round skills.
However, some might argue that Pant’s youth and potential should be given a chance. Pant has been touted as the future of Indian wicket-keeping, and many believe that he has the potential to become one of the best keepers in the world. But Bangar’s point is that Pant’s struggles with consistency and glove work make Rahul a more reliable option at this point.
Moreover, Rahul’s experience in international cricket, particularly in white-ball formats, gives him an edge over Pant. His ability to handle the pressure of keeping wickets and scoring runs in big games is unmatched, and he has consistently delivered for the team.
The decision to choose between Rahul and Pant ultimately rests with the Indian team management. However, Bangar’s opinion is a significant one, given his experience with the Indian team. If the team management decides to give Rahul the responsibility of keeping wickets, it could pay dividends in the long run.
In conclusion, Bangar’s suggestion to start with KL Rahul as keeper ahead of Rishabh Pant is not an outlandish one. Rahul’s all-round performance and experience in international cricket make him a more reliable option for the role. While Pant has potential, his struggles with consistency and glove work make Rahul a more viable choice for the wicket-keeping position.
