The ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series between India and Australia has raised concerns over goalkeeper Rishabh Pant’s performance. Rishabh Pant, who played a crucial role in the last two Australian tours, could be ruled out 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 sent off after playing an unorthodox shot. In the second innings, when India was struggling to save the Test, Pant played a rash shot against Travis Head and was dismissed, leading to a collapse.
Rishabh Pant could be dropped from XI for fifth Test against Australia
Pant’s performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has been disappointing with just 154 runs in 4 matches at an average of 22. He has recorded 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 it is still uncertain whether he will be able to make a significant impact.
I have heard this is a likely option – Vikrant Gupta
Sports Tak journalist Vikrant Gupta discussed the possibility of Dhruv Jurel replacing Rishabh Pant in the upcoming Test match. He pointed out that Pant had played two irresponsible shots in the Melbourne Test, which led to his dismissal.
Gupta said that Rohit Sharma was asked about Pant’s injections, and Rohit sarcastically asked, “What injections?” Gupta also pointed out that Pant was aware of his poor performance 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 are talking about Rishabh Pant. Instead of Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel can play the next Test match. The logic behind this is that Rishabh Pant played two such shots in Melbourne in one Test match, which can be called irresponsible .
“I think in Rohit Sharma’s press conference, where 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 took the shot. in Australia. And he knows he underperformed in Australia. I mean, you are winning 25-30, but you couldn’t play a big role, 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 that ‘Rishabh Pant can replace Dhruv Jurel in Sydney Test’ pic.twitter.com/3kqAluunfr
– Bewada babloo
(@babloobhaiya3) December 31, 2024
Dhruv Jurel failed to make an impact with the 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 only 11 and 1 in the Perth Test.
Jurel also showed solid form in domestic matches, notably scoring 93 for ROI in the Iran 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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