KS Bharat or Ishan Kishan? Who should be India's next Test keeper?

KS Bharat might play in place of Rishabh Pant [Source: Twitter]

With the unfortunate injury to Rishabh Pant, Team India have a big selection dilemma. The Border-Gavaskar series is just around the corner and it is highly unlikely that the dashing wicket-keeper batter will get in fit in time for the all-important series.

So now the big question arises - Who should be Rishabh Pant's replacement in Tests?

India has a plethora of talent, and there are so many options to choose from. But with the series just 36 days away, the final two frontiers have to be KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan.

Why Ishan Kishan?

Before Kishan's double century against Bangladesh, he was nowhere in the frame for a Test debut. But he followed it up with a scintillating ton against Kerala in the Ranji Trophy to stamp his authority. He could be that like-to-like replacement for Pant and can be the aggressor in an Indian side known for playing the conventional way of Test cricket.

Some say he is still raw and perhaps a high-voltage series against Australia will put immense pressure on the youngster. But this is where the true test of their skills come into place. Pant is known to be an aggressor, somehow who takes the attack to the opposition. 

Kishan can play a similar role in this Indian Test side. Playing attacking cricket is his natural game and he can bring a different dynamism to the squad. So far, the southpaw has flayed 48 first-class games and has scored 2985 runs, at an average of 38.76. He certainly has the talent and maybe BCCI can take a gamble on him.

Time for KS Bharat to shine?

Is it finally time for KS Bharat to shine? He has been travelling with the squad for quite some time now, but hasn't got the opportunity to shine.

Bharat has been a trusted understudy to Pant and his safe wicket-keeping skills might make him the first choice keeper for India.

While he has struggled for form in the ongoing Ranji Trophy, it will be quite a surprise if India look beyond Bharat on whom they have invested so much.

In 84 first-class matches, KS Bharat has amassed 4533 runs, at an average of 37.46. An underrated player, but will he get his opportunity to shine? Time will tell...

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