IND vs SA | Team management wants Wriddhiman Saha over Rishabh Pant in first Test

Rishabh Pant was undoubtedly the first choice as India's wicketkeeper once the veteran MS Dhoni moves away, especially in limited-overs cricket but the youngster made his mark in Tests too. But according to the latest turn of events, Wriddhiman Saha has finally found the chance to get back in the Test team. The 34-year-old is regarded as an amazingly athletic gloveman and his recent performances of 60 runs against South Africa A in Mysuru, and 62 against West Indies A before that, just build up his case.

Last year when Pant made his debut for India, with Saha being injured, he stunned everyone with his hundreds in England and Australia and his talent became well known. However with repeated low performances since the Caribbean tour, the 21-year-old has been put under the scanner and his careless shots have been heavily criticised too.

The team management, especially Ravi Shastri and Virat Kohli, believe it's time for Pant to be left out for the first Test, that starts on October 2 in Vizag, against the visiting Proteas team.

“The selectors are in a mood to give one final chance to Pant in the first Test, but the team management (coach Ravi Shastri and skipper Virat Kohli) wants Saha to play from the start of the series itself,” a source told TOI.

“The problem is, Pant’s lack of success with the bat is hurting his confidence while keeping wickets too. His DRS reviews aren’t great. In Indian conditions, on turning wickets, he may struggle. Saha is a far better ‘keeper than him, and get a few useful runs lower down the order too,” the source said.

After the World Cup, before the team left for the Caribbean tour, BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad had made it clear that Pant will be the first choice as wicketkeeper in all three formats for Indias. Despite the youngster's poor form, Prasad has come to his defence, stating, “I have already said that post World Cup we have been concentrating on the progress of Rishabh. We need to be patient with him, considering the immense talent that he possesses," Prasad had said.