MSK Prasad backs decision of Pant's selection over Saha, advocates promotion of THIS player

Former BCCI Chairman of Selectors, MSK Prasad said that he would be in agreement with the Team management if they pick Rishabh Pant ahead of Wriddhiman Saha as wicket-keeper batsman for the remaining three Tests against Australia.

While, Saha was preferred over Pant in the first Test due to his outstanding skills behind the stumps especially during the night with the pink ball at the Adelaide Oval. However, his failures with the bat might have worked against his favour.

With Pant smashing a 73-ball century in the second practice game, he might get a nod for the rest of the series ahead of Saha unless he fails badly.

Talking to the news agency PTI, Prasad said that their committee (when he was the chief selector) had decided that Pant would be their first choice wicket-keeper while playing in England and Australia and also has a century in his name in both those countries.

"Look, our committee was clear that Rishabh Pant will be our first choice keeper in places like England and Australia. Only when we are looking at matches in India where you don’t need batting after number six most times, you can have a specialist keeper," said Prasad.

Pant, who has been struggling with his fitness and form concerns, has a great record playing in Australia as during the 2018-19 tour, where he smashed 350 runs, averaging over 50, which also included a century.

"I believe Rishabh has worked on his fitness issues during the past month and looked in good touch during the pink ball practice game. So I would agree with the team management if they give Rishabh a go for the next three Tests," he added.

Vihari is 'Gutsy' batsman, should bat at No 4: MSK Prasad

In absence of Virat Kohli, the batting line-up will see changes other than just the wicket-keeper as Team India now have a couple of options to go with at No 4.

MSK Prasad believed that the 'gutsy' batsman Hanuma Vihari should be promoted to No 4 rather than Pant or any other batsman, given he batted at that position in both the practice games.

"Vihari has a very sound technique and temperament and he can serve this Test team for a long time. In absence of Virat, it would be a great opportunity for him and KL (Rahul) to stand up and be counted,” Prasad said in the interview to PTI.

While he backed Vihari to bat in the middle-order, he also advocated inclusion of KL Rahul at No 6, with Pant at No 7.

"I would prefer Vihari batting at No. 4 or 5 in the next few Tests and face the challenge. He is a gutsy boy and I have confidence that he will do well if given the challenge. KL can be a good No. 6 in this series," he said.

Ajinkya Rahane will be leading the side against Australia in the remaining three games as Virat Kohli leaves Australia owing to the birth of his first child with wife and actor Anushka Sharma.