Pant’s Availability as Wicketkeeper Is A Positive Sign, Says Sanjay Bangar

Speaking exclusively on ‘Follow The Blues’ ahead of the 4th Test between India and England, JioHotstar expert Sanjay Bangar shared his thoughts on Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion in the playing XI:

“Bumrah playing the fourth Test is good news. One good thing is that the itinerary is spaced out — especially when you’re playing back-to-back Test matches. The gap between the third and fourth Test is enough for any player to recover. Jasprit Bumrah increases the strength of any team, especially the Indian team. Every time he has played in recent times, his overseas record in Tests has only gotten better. With his presence, I think the Indian team has got the ammunition needed to win and level the series. Because the series is on the line, India needs to get back into it. If there is one bowler who can exploit any conditions, it’s Bumrah. By all accounts, the series was much easier in the first three Test matches as far as batting was concerned. But the conditions are likely to be more bowler-friendly in this particular Test. That would mean that we may not have to bowl a lot of overs — and we can certainly help India dismiss the English batters quite cheaply.”

On the Prasidh Krishna vs Anshul Kamboj selection dilemma:

“It is going to be a tough call for Shubman and Gautam Gambhir to pick between Prasidh and Anshul. That’s probably the reason they’ve delayed the decision right up to the start of the Test match. I believe Prasidh has done enough, and in the next Test match, you need a bowler who can extract bounce from that Manchester track. I feel Prasidh is slightly ahead of Anshul for this particular Test. He challenges the batters in a different way — and let’s not forget, he has picked up important wickets as well. Yes, he has been expensive, but where there is pace, there is bounce — both in this Test match and the next. So it would be good if Prasidh plays back-to-back games. That will mean that, at the end of the series, there will be clarity on Prasidh Krishna — whether he can be a regular Test match bowler. But if you don’t play him now and wait till the Oval, you can never really make up your mind about where he stands in terms of the team’s plans. If he has the experience and has already been picked for a number of Test matches, it would suit the team’s direction better to let him play both games — so that the team can draw inferences at the end of the series.”

On Rishabh Pant’s return as wicketkeeper:

“Pant’s availability as a wicketkeeper is a very positive sign because it helps preserve the team’s structure. And if there’s any discomfort, KL Rahul is also a viable backup option with the gloves. Overall, Pant keeping wickets gives India the stability they need in their playing XI. Pant is also mentally very tough and thrives on the big stage. He enjoys being put in challenging situations — that’s where he really excels. In fact, I’ve seen many players perform better even when carrying a niggle, simply because their focus sharpens. As for wicketkeeping, it’s a role that keeps you engaged throughout the match. And if Rishabh is ready to take it on, it suggests he has healed well — because the Indian team wouldn’t risk playing someone who’s not fit enough.”

On India’s team balance and the Kuldeep Yadav selection dilemma ahead of the 4th Test:

“If India had read the conditions correctly, Kuldeep Yadav should have played from the first Test itself. Now, since he hasn’t featured in any of the matches and the players who’ve played in his place have done well, it becomes tricky. Washington Sundar, for instance, played a key role in bringing India back into the contest at Lord’s with his four-wicket haul — it’s hard to leave someone like that out of the playing XI. If Kuldeep is brought in to bat at No. 7, it could compromise the team’s desired batting depth. I see Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar playing alongside the three main pacers.”