India have struggled with the wicket-keeper option in Test cricket ever since Rishabh Pant’s accident. Pant was not only an excellent glovesman, but he also scored some vital runs for the team with the bat. His replacement KS Bharat has not been able to replicate Pant’s batting performances so far in his Test career.
With Rishabh Pant expected to be out of action for a long time, Team India will have to quickly find a solution to get better results from the wicket-keeper batter position. In the ongoing WTC Final, KS Bharat could not make much of an impact with the bat. Even in the Test matches he played against Australia earlier this year, Bharat could not impress much. Some of the tailenders have scored more runs for India than him since his debut.
The next World Test Championship cycle will begin soon. Here are three ways India can get better results and solve the wicket-keeping problem in Test cricket.
1. Urge KS Bharat to play first-class cricket in foreign nations before Test cricket
KS Bharat has done a great job behind the stumps, but he has not been able to score big with the bat. Perhaps, the BCCI can ask the wicket-keeper to play county cricket or even join another foreign competition as an overseas player. He has done well in Ranji Trophy, and if he performs well overseas, his confidence will increase a lot.
2. Groom another wicket-keeper in Test cricket
Ishan Kishan was an option available as a wicket-keeper. Other wicket-keepers like Sanju Samson, Narayan Jagadeesan, Akshay Wadkar and Sarfaraz Khan have been waiting for their opportunities as well. Perhaps, India should consider grooming another wicket-keeper batter.
3. Train a current batter to keep the wickets?
KL Rahul is a batter who can keep the wickets. However, when KL Rahul is unavailable, India does not have any other top-order batter who can keep the wickets. Perhaps, someone like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill or any other top-order batter of domestic cricket can be instructed to practice wicket-keeping and inch closer to a place in the Test team.
