Cricket

KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant: who is the better wicketkeeper for India?

 

Since MS Dhoni went on sabbatical after the World Cup in England, an opportunity opened up for other wicketkeepers to secure a place in the limited-overs Indian team. The management did not have to look far for a replacement though since there were two able wicketkeepers – Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul – already lurking in the fringes of the first team.

Eventually it was the younger of the two, Pant, who got the nod to keep wickets in ODIs and T20s for the Men in Blue.

Despite presenting an imposing figure in the Indian Premier League (IPL) for Delhi Capitals, Pant struggled to fill Dhoni’s massive boots on the international stage.

The youngster’s disappointing numbers with the bat along with his patchy glovework left a lot to be desired. In nine ODIs as India’s full-time keeper, the Delhi-born player could rake up just 217 runs at a modest average of a shade above 27. Despite the underpar numbers, however, there was an evident reluctance from the management to drop him in light of the obvious talent the Delhi-born player possesses.
 





KL pulling a Rahul Dravid

However, Pant suffering a concussion against Australia at home earlier this year forced the selectors’ hands to look at their other options. Instead of getting a new player on board, the team management took a leaf out of former captain Sourav Ganguly’s book. In early 2000s, Ganguly had asked Rahul Dravid, a full-time batsman, to take up the wicketkeeper’s role to fit in another batter in the starting line-up. And the rest was history.

With a similar agenda in mind, the management turned to KL Rahul to address their wicketkeeping woes.

KL, by the time, was already flourishing in the India setup as a specialist batsman. It was no different when it came to being the man behind the stumps. The Karnataka player, having previously performed the role for his state and IPL team Kings XI Punjab, stepped up to the occasion in a superb fashion with a streak of imposing performances.

He did not let the added pressure of wicketkeeping take a toll on his batting. In fact, he thrived as a batsman after being handed the new role. KL finished the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand with 224 runs in the kitty at an outstanding average of 56. In comparison, Pant only managed 197 runs in 16 T20I innings at a lowly average of 19.70.

The gap was consistent on the ODI front too. Operating as a wicketkeeper batsman, KL has scored 303 runs along with a century in just 5 games – 86 more than Pant, who had played four more matches. His glovework too has been far more reliable than Pant’s.

KL’s ability to give compelling performances at home and overseas adds to the appeal of using him in that role.

Considering the stats and current form of KL Rahul, it is logical to say the team will go ahead with him instead of Pant in the near future.

 
 
By Sportz Interactive

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post

Recent Posts

Pro Kabaddi League 2024: Jaipur Pink Panthers vs Dabang Delhi K.C. – Match Preview

The inaugural champions Jaipur Pink Panthers will take the mat against Dabang Delhi K.C. in… Read More

November 21, 2024

Robert Lewandowski recalls playing under ‘difficult’ Pep Guardiola; explains how ex-Barcelona coach changed

Barcelona’s striker Robert Lewandowski recalled how Pep Guardiola was a difficult coach to play under… Read More

November 21, 2024

Ayush Chikkara aspires to be a ‘regular’ in Mumbai City FC’s team, says doesn’t want to take any external pressure

Mumbai City FC forward Ayush Chikkara wants to find a regular place in Petr Kratky’s… Read More

November 21, 2024

Carlos Alcaraz lauds Rafael Nadal’s legacy after retirement

World No.2 Carlos Alcaraz hailed Rafael Nadal’s legacy after the veteran Spaniard retired from the… Read More

November 21, 2024

Jamshedpur FC’s defender Ashutosh Mehta credits ‘100% professional’ Khalid Jamil for having a big impact in his life

Jamshedpur FC full-back Ashutosh Mehta has given credit to head coach Khalid Jamil for playing… Read More

November 21, 2024

Lakers star LeBron James says he’s taking a break from social media

Los Angeles Lakers’s superstar LeBron James has revealed he is taking a break from social… Read More

November 21, 2024