A. Pant’s recent performance and his value to the team
The bombshell news about Rishabh Pant’s ban couldn’t have come at a worse time for India. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been in red-hot form, smashing a crucial 87 in the first innings of the opening Test, followed by a quickfire 56 in the second. Those weren’t just runs – they were momentum-shifting knocks that took the game away from England.
Pant brings something to this Indian team that’s simply irreplaceable – that X-factor behind the stumps and with the bat. His ability to counter-attack against quality spin has been India’s secret weapon on turning tracks. Just look at how he dismantled Jack Leach in the first Test, hitting him for three consecutive boundaries to break England’s rhythm.
His glovework has improved dramatically too. Those lightning-quick stumpings and athletic catches have saved India at least 40-50 runs per innings. The team management has repeatedly called him their “game-changer” – and those aren’t empty words.
B. Potential replacements behind the stumps
India’s options behind the stumps without Pant are limited but not disastrous:
- KS Bharat – The most likely replacement. Solid glovework but hasn’t quite delivered with the bat in his limited opportunities.
- Ishan Kishan – More aggressive option who’s been traveling with the squad. Explosive batting style similar to Pant but less experienced in Test cricket.
- Dhruv Jurel – The outside chance. Impressive in domestic cricket but throwing him into a high-pressure Test might be risky.
The team management seems to be leaning toward Bharat based on the practice sessions, where he’s been getting extended time both with the gloves and in the nets.
C. How the batting order might be reshuffled
Pant’s absence creates a gaping hole at number 5, forcing India to rethink their entire middle order. The most likely scenario:
Rohit will probably push Rahul up to number 4, with either Sarfaraz Khan or Washington Sundar slotting in at 6 depending on pitch conditions. This means whoever takes the gloves will bat at number 7, significantly weakening India’s lower-middle order firepower.
Another option being discussed in team meetings is promoting Ravindra Jadeja to number 5. He’s shown tremendous improvement with the bat over the last two years, but asking him to fill Pant’s shoes might be expecting too much.
The real question is whether India will opt for an extra batter or bowler. Given the turning nature of the pitch expected for the 2nd Test, don’t be surprised if they go with three spinners and just five specialist batsmen