Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has voiced his opinion on the debate surrounding the selection of the wicketkeeper for Team India in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) finals against Australia. Singh has lent his support to Ishan Kishan, calling him a “direct replacement for Rishabh Pant” and emphasizing the young batsman’s ability to handle the new ball. This perspective diverges from Singh’s previous endorsement of KS Bharat. As the highly anticipated clash approaches, the decision regarding the wicketkeeper role becomes increasingly critical for India.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh asserted that Ishan Kishan should be preferred over KS Bharat as India’s wicketkeeper for the WTC finals. Singh highlighted Ishan’s exceptional batting skills and compared him to the explosive Rishabh Pant. Despite Bharat’s commendable wicketkeeping abilities, Singh expressed concerns about his batting prowess.
Singh’s endorsement of Ishan Kishan comes in contrast to his earlier stance where he favored Bharat’s inclusion in the playing XI. During a conversation on Star Sports, Singh had supported Bharat due to his experience and superior wicketkeeping skills. However, his recent view emphasizes Ishan’s aggressive approach and his potential to bolster India’s batting lineup.
Singh believes that Ishan Kishan’s inclusion would provide additional strength to India’s batting order. With his ability to tackle the new ball effectively and open the innings if needed, Ishan brings a dynamic element to the team. Singh draws parallels between Ishan and Pant, both possessing explosive batting styles that can positively impact the game.
The final call regarding the wicketkeeper position rests with the Indian team management. They must consider various factors, including the balance of the team, the specific requirements of the conditions, and the players’ overall performances. The decision becomes even more challenging due to the lack of experience for both Ishan and Bharat in India’s red-ball setup.