KS Bharat's Presser: Keeper Talks About KL-Gill Debate, His batting & Indian Pitches
KS Bharat remained unbeaten in Delhi Test (AP Photo)
Whether KL Rahul should be dropped or not for in-form Shubman Gill - it has been a national query in last couple of weeks. The former Indian vice-captain is been struggling to put bat on the ball, while Gill's form suggests that he watching the cricket ball like it's a volleyball.
To answer that query, the Indian team management sent the latest entrant to the pre-match press conference, wicketkeeper KS Bharat - who remained unbeaten at 23 with Cheteshwar Pujara in the second innings of the second Test match against Australia.
The Andhra batter, who made his Test debut at Nagpur, was promoted in the batting order in Delhi, before he batted a bit stylishly to take India home in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT 2023).
Bharat talked about his moment of glory and thanked captained Rohit Sharma for giving him a promotion ahead of Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel. He also hinted at the way to counter spins in the Indian conditions.
"Rohit (Sharma) Bhai told me that I will bat at number 6 in the second innings at Delhi. The moment Australia were all out, I was ready to bat and contribute. The intent is never a problem, shot selection is critical on these tracks. Runs will come here if shot selection is right. Trusting your defence is the key here," Bharat commented in the presser.
The 29-year-old keeper, who is played in place of an injured Rishabh Pant, has impressed many with his tidy glovework. However, he didn't had greatest of times with the bat in his first two Test innings, before he batted freely with the 100th Test-man Pujara on Day 3 of the last match.
He again talked about trusting defence on Indian conditions as he stated that pitches in the BGT 2023 aren't unplayable.
"I enjoyed playing whatever I did in Delhi. It was about keeping it simple and backing your defence. Wickets are not unplayable, just have to back your defence," he said.
Unlike Indians, the Australians have had a good time with the bat in the series. The visitors have batted well in phases, but they have also bundled out for 91 and 113 against the great Indian spinners.
Lastly, the Indian keeper-batter answered Rahul-Gill query, but again showed his ability to defend.
"It’s the team management’s call, not mine," Bharat answered with a dead-bat.
A talk around Gill coming into the Indian lineup has been in the media corridors. While the Australians, without their captain Pat Cummins, will be headed by Steve Smith with Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green all set to comeback to the Playing XI.
The third Test between India and Australia will be played at the Holkar Stadium, Indore - commencing from Wednesday (March 1).
 "Arjun Bhalla")
