Shreyas Iyer injury: A setback that India must utilise to bring Rishabh Pant back into ODIs

Rishabh Pant back in ODIs? [Source: AFP Photo]

Shubman Gill, the Indian Test captain, was ruled out of the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati due to a serious neck sprain injury. The batter sustained the injury during the Kolkata Test and he didn’t come out to bat in the second innings as the Indian side lost the match in a shocking turn of events.

There are also doubts regarding Gill’s participation in the ODI series against the Proteas and if the latest reports are to be believed, then Rishabh Pant is the frontrunner to lead the team. Ironically, Pant was not in the ODI scheme of things, but with Shreyas Iyer also out for an indefinite period, the management is considering bringing Pant into the setup as captain.

The question arises, where does Pant fit in the ODI system, what is his ODI record and is India taking a gamble by bringing him in the ODIs?

How Rishabh Pant has performed in ODIs

(Pant in ODIs)

• As the data suggests, Pant has a decent record in ODIs as a batter, but the average still lags behind at 33.50. Pant has been given ample opportunities (31 matches) to prove his worth, but so far, he has been an underachiever.
• The one thing that does go in Pant’s favour is the fact that he plays with an aggressive mindset, and the strike rate of 106 depicts it to perfection.

Where will Pant slot in if he makes ODI comeback?

• The top three slots in ODIs are full, at least for the time being. Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma are the two openers, and Virat Kohli slots in at number 3. Normally, Shreyas Iyer bats at 4, but with him being out for a while, that is the only logical place for Pant to play.
• While his record of 498 runs in 17 matches at number 4 is decent, his best numbers have come in at number 5 - 7 matches, 310 runs, at an average of 44.29. However, there is one catch - the number 5 spot is occupied by KL Rahul.
• He cannot bat below the number 5 position, and the only logical place is number 4, but India must be wary about his poor track record at that designated spot.

Why India are adamant to bring him as the ODI captain?

• India is not looking for a short-term solution by bringing Pant back, but they have a broader picture in mind. With captain Shubman Gill likely to be ruled out of the ODIs, and Shreyas Iyer out for an indefinite period, the Indian team is aiming to build a solid team for the future.
• Shreyas Iyer is injury-prone and won’t be around for too long. KL Rahul is already in his late 30s, and India might need a solid keeper-player to replace him in the team. Hence, Pant has suddenly become a front-runner to be included in the squad, both as captain and a keeper.
• Still 28-years-old, Pant easily has 7-8 years to offer to the Indian cricket, and with no other reliable keeper-batter available, India are once again banking on him.

Final verdict

BCCI is reportedly interested in bringing Pant back for the South Africa ODIs as the captain. This is not a helpless move, but rather, the team has a logic as they are aiming to build a strong core for the future, and Pant fits in the bill perfectly.

---

ALSO READ

Shubman Gill officially ruled out of IND vs SA 2nd Test; BCCI confirms Rishabh Pant as captain

---