Will Rishabh Pant replace Ruturaj Gaikwad at 4 in IND vs SA 2nd ODI? Analysis explains

Gaikwad batted at 4 while Pant was ignored for 1st ODI vs SA [Source: AFP]

India had an excellent start to the ODI series against South Africa, defeating the visitors by 17 runs and taking a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. While Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and stand-in captain KL Rahul stepped up with vital contributions, Ruturaj Gaikwad and Yashasvi Jaiswal endured rare failures. 

Although India's decision to open the batting with Jaiswal aligned with the national sentiment, the selection of Gaikwad over Pant for a middle-order batter's role created an uproar. 

Why did India pick Ruturaj Gaikwad over Rishabh Pant in 1st ODI vs SA?

There were two major reasons why India picked Ruturaj Gaikwad over Rishabh Pant. Firstly, India wanted KL Rahul as their wicketkeeper and had Pant played, the stand-in skipper would have had to hand him over the keeping duties. 

Secondly, India had Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI; so Pant's inclusion would've made their batting lineup loaded with left-handers, which, in turn, could've backfired against the South African spin unit comprising two off-spinners, including Aiden Markram. 

Reasons why Gaikwad's inclusion over Pant was questioned

Rishabh Pant is undoubtedly one of the fearless cricketers that India has ever had. With Shreyas Iyer nursing an injury, the South Africa series was a perfect opportunity for India to reintroduce the southpaw to the 50-over format. 

However, the Indian think tank slotted Ruturaj Gaikwad, who is technically an opener, at number four over a genuine middle-order batter like Pant. The decision backfired on the hosts, with Gaikwad getting dismissed for eight runs. 

Can Maharaj's likely comeback force a change in IND XI?

South Africa's ace spinner Keshav Maharaj was rested for the first ODI against India. As the second ODI holds significant importance for the visitors, they might bring Maharaj back in place of Prenelan Subrayen, who went for 73 runs in his ten-over spell. 

Now, you may think that Maharaj, being a left-arm spinner, can certainly be countered by a left-hander, which is why India might bring Rishabh Pant back into their playing XI. However, it's worth mentioning that Pant has a horrible record against left-arm spinners in white-ball cricket and might not be an appropriate answer to Maharaj's guile. 

In fact, if we compare Gaikwad and Pant's performance against left-arm spin, the former edges out the latter quite comfortably. 

As evidenced by the above stats, Rishabh Pant averages less than 20 against left-arm off-spin, a bowling type he's supposed to dominate in white-ball cricket. On the contrary, Ruturaj Gaikwad has been magnificent against the same bowling type and gives India a more reliable as well as aggressive option in the middle overs. 

Furthermore, Rishabh Pant hasn't had a great time against Keshav Maharaj, who has dismissed him thrice in 27 balls in white-ball cricket. So, even if Maharaj plays, his matchup against Pant might discourage the hosts from including the southpaw to neutralise him in the middle overs. 

Conclusion

While Rishabh Pant certainly remains India's backup wicketkeeper, the hosts might still prefer Ruturaj Gaikwad as their number four, considering Pant's dismal numbers against left-arm spinners, including Keshav Maharaj, who will potentially make his return to the South African playing XI. This will also allow them to use Gaikwad as a stop-gap solution and replace him with Shreyas Iyer straightaway when he receives fitness clearance. 

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