Popular commentator and broadcaster, Harsha Bhogle, appeared shocked on an early Friday morning, after seeing the Indian XI against New Zealand in the first Test at Wellington.
Through a series of tweets, Bhogle registered his opinion of Wriddhiman Saha making way for Rishabh Pant in the Indian XI.
It was expected that the Bengal wicketkeeper will resume his duties behind the stumps in the two-match Test series.
But Indian skipper Virat Kohli, who has the knack of pulling out surprises with his playing eleven, went ahead with Pant.
“Just up and see Saha is left out. We have just told every young keeper in India not to bother becoming the best in the world behind the stumps and instead focus on getting a few more runs in front of them. Disappointed,” tweet Bhogle first-up.
Saha is a renowned world-class keeper and has been part of the playing XI in the recent home season of Test Cricket in India. However, Pant’s efficient batting record abroad record might have urged Virat to pick him ahead of Saha.
“Am waiting to see Shreya Ghoshal left out of a major concert because the other girl could strum the guitar a bit better!! #Saha” carried on Bhogle in his rant. He later removed the tweet.
Although, it is a matter of fact that one can be sceptical about Pant’s wicket-keeping abilities in sub-continental condition while keeping to spinners.
Just up and see Saha is left out. We have just told every young keeper in India not to bother becoming the best in the world behind the stumps and instead focus on getting a few more runs in front of them. Disappointed.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 21, 2020
Don't get me wrong. This isn't about Pant. Just think in tests you pick your best five batsmen, best four bowlers, best keeper and think about a secondary skill for number six, if at all. I hope he does well because he is a gifted young player but feel for Saha. #Lastword. https://t.co/OJwatdbLeb
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 21, 2020
Not about Pant being a bad player. It is the principle of not picking your best for his role. Have a lot of time for Pant and dearly wish he scores runs but you pick your best keeper in a test match like you pick your best batsmen and bowlers.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) February 21, 2020
“Don’t get me wrong. This isn’t about Pant. Just think in tests you pick your best five batsmen, best four bowlers, best keeper and think about a secondary skill for number six, if at all. I hope he does well because he is a gifted young player but feel for Saha,” added Bhogle in yet another tweet.
Moreover, with fast bowlers dominating the modus operandi, Kohli must have felt that the need for a world-class keeper does not exceed the need for a batsman on a green-top wicket.
“Not about Pant being a bad player. It is the principle of not picking your best for his role. Have a lot of time for Pant and dearly wish he scores runs but you pick your best keeper in a test match like you pick your best batsmen and bowlers,” concluded Bhogle.
After suffering a blow to the head against Australia in one of the ODIs, the Delhi southpaw lost his place in the Indian side in the limited-overs format, warming the bench through the entire New Zealand tour.
At stumps on Day 1, Pant and Ajinkya Rahane held the fort for the Indian team, tottering at 122 for the loss of 5 wickets.
