As India gears up for the final showdown of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, all eyes are on the probable playing XI, especially concerning Rishabh Pant’s position. The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma and coached by Gautam Gambhir, is contemplating a crucial decision that could see the wicketkeeper-batter dropped from the starting lineup for the Sydney Test. This comes after mounting criticism of Pant’s recent performances, including sharp comments from cricketing legends like Sunil Gavaskar.
Rishabh Pant Faces Growing Criticism Over Inconsistent Form
Rishabh Pant, once hailed as one of the most promising talents in world cricket, is under increasing scrutiny. Despite his heroics in India’s historic 2020/21 series Down Under, Pant has struggled to replicate his match-winning performances in the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With only 154 runs in seven innings at a subpar average of 22.00, Pant has failed to make a significant impact. His recent dismissals have raised eyebrows, particularly his reckless shot selection in the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
In the first innings of the MCG Test, Pant’s impulsive pull shot led to his dismissal, much to the dismay of commentators and fans. Former cricketer Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back, calling the shot “stupid, stupid, stupid” as Pant was caught at deep third man. This comment has echoed across cricketing circles, amplifying the pressure on Pant to improve his performances.
India’s Bold Selection Decisions for the 5th Test
India’s coaching staff, including Gautam Gambhir, and captain Rohit Sharma, are reportedly considering dropping Pant for the upcoming Test. The decision is influenced not only by Pant’s struggles but also by a broader shift in India’s approach to team selection in recent matches. India has been making bold calls, and the Sydney Test might be no different.
Pant’s place in the playing XI could be jeopardized, with several players vying for spots. India’s squad for the 5th Test includes promising young talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, who are both pushing for starting roles. Furthermore, with the versatile Ravindra Jadeja and the all-round abilities of players like Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy, India has strong options for reshuffling their lineup.
The Debate Around Rishabh Pant’s Role: Should He Stay or Go?
The debate surrounding Rishabh Pant’s future in the Test team has intensified. While former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar acknowledges Pant’s undeniable talent, he suggests that the criticism should focus more on his failure to score runs rather than the manner of his dismissals. Pant has shown glimpses of brilliance in his career, including six Test centuries and seven nineties in just 42 matches. Yet, his inconsistency with the bat in recent times has been a concern. Manjrekar’s assessment resonates with the argument that Pant’s immense potential is being overshadowed by his inability to capitalize on his starts.
With Pant failing to cross fifty in the current series and struggling to adapt to varying Australian conditions, the selectors are left with a tough decision. Should they continue with Pant, given his potential, or make a change for the final Test of the series?
Team India’s Probable Playing XI for the 5th Test in Sydney
Ahead of the much-awaited Sydney Test, the Indian team’s lineup is still being closely scrutinized. The probable playing XI for India in the 5th Test against Australia might look like this:
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- KL Rahul
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Virat Kohli
- Shubman Gill
- Rishabh Pant (WK) if selected
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammad Siraj
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
India’s team selection for the Sydney Test will be crucial, and it remains to be seen whether Pant’s recent struggles lead to his exclusion, or whether he will retain his spot in the XI for the final battle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With the series tied and the outcome hanging in balance, the stakes could not be higher for both Pant and Team India.
Conclusion: Will Rishabh Pant’s Career Suffer in the Wake of Criticism?
The outcome of the Sydney Test could have lasting implications for Rishabh Pant’s future in Test cricket. His remarkable potential is beyond question, but his inability to convert starts into big scores and the pressure from experts like Sunil Gavaskar are forcing India’s management to rethink their options. If Pant is dropped, it may be a wake-up call for him to refine his approach and return stronger for future series.
As the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy approaches, cricket fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how India handles their team selection and whether Rishabh Pant will be given another opportunity to prove himself on the big stage.
