The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series between India and Australia has raised concerns about wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant’s performance. Rishabh Pant, who played a crucial role in the past two Australian tours, could be dropped for the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Sunil Gavaskar criticized Pant’s shot selection during the first innings of the MCG Test, calling it “stupid.” Pant was dismissed after playing an unorthodox shot. In the second innings, when India was fighting to save the Test, Pant played a rash shot off Travis Head and got dismissed, triggering a collapse.
Rishabh Pant Could Be Dropped from the XI for the Fifth Test vs Australia
Pant’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been underwhelming, with only 154 runs in 4 matches at an average of 22. He registered scores of 37, 1, 21, 28, 9, 28, and 30 so far in the series.
Following India’s collapse in the fourth Test, where they went from 121/3 to being bowled out for 155 runs, there is growing speculation that Pant could be dropped for the fifth Test. Dhruv Jurel is seen as a possible option to step in, but whether he can make a significant impact remains uncertain.
I Have Heard That This Is a Likely Option – Vikrant Gupta
Sports Tak journalist Vikrant Gupta discussed the possibility of Dhruv Jurel replacing Rishabh Pant in the next Test match. He pointed out that Pant had played two irresponsible shots in the Melbourne Test, which led to his dismissals.
Gupta said that Rohit Sharma was asked about Pant’s shots, with Rohit sarcastically asking, “Which shot?” Gupta also noted that Pant was aware of his underperformance in Australia, as he had failed to convert scores of 25-30 into big innings. Gupta added that dropping Pant in favor of Jurel was a likely option.
“We’re talking about Rishabh Pant. Instead of Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel can play the next Test match. The logic behind that is that Rishabh Pant played two such shots in Melbourne in one test match, which you can call irresponsible.
“I think in the press conference of Rohit Sharma, in which he was asked about his shot, Rohit said, which shot? I mean, not the first one or the second one? And Rishabh Pant will also realize that he was incarnated in Australia. And he knows that he has underperformed in Australia. I mean, you’re making 25-30, but you couldn’t play a big part. So, now, I don’t know what message will be sent by replacing Rishabh Pant with Dhruv Jurel, but I have heard that this is a likely option,” he added.
Vikrant gupta said on sports tak “rishabh pant ko dhruv jurel replace kar sakta he Sydney test k lie” pic.twitter.com/3kqAluunfr
— Bewada babloo 🧉 (@babloobhaiya3) December 31, 2024
Dhruv Jurel Failed to Make an Impact with Bat in the Perth Test
Dhruv Jurel has spent two months in Australia, with limited opportunities to play. He impressed during the India A vs Australia A first-class matches in Melbourne, scoring 80 and 68. However, he scored just 11 and 1 in the Perth Test.
Jurel also showed solid form in domestic matches, notably scoring 93 for ROI in the Irani Trophy against Mumbai. He may not bring the same flair as Rishabh Pant, but he could offer much-needed stability to the middle order.
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