Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar on Thursday came down heavily on Indian wicketkeeper KS Bharat. Since Rishabh Pant’s accident in December 2022, India have tried a lot of wicketkeepers in different formats but none of them barring KL Rahul to some extent have been able to cement their place in the Indian side. Manjrekar on Thursday said he would like to see India try some other wicketkeepers out before Rishabh Pant gets back into the Indian team.
Bharat has had his fair share of chances but has failed to capitalise on them. Bharat was recalled to the Indian side for the first two Tests of the IND vs ENG series. Although the keeper had some good moments behind the stumps in the series, Bharat has been dismal with the bat. His scores in the four innings that he has played in the series reads 41, 28, 17 and 06. His poor form with the bat has raised questions on his selection in the Indian team, and Manjrekar joined the bandwagon on Thursday.
“It’s not like he is playing his first series. He has played before, he played four test matches against Australia. Rishabh Pant is due to come any time soon. So I’m not sure whether it is worthwhile and makes sense to keep investing in KS Bharat,” Manjrekar said in a podcast with ESPNcricinfo.
“He is not 20 years old and India had moved on from Bharat and gone to Ishan Kishan. He has done just enough to maybe keep his place in the side and this team management believes in being fair to every individual. But I would personally look at another option before Rishabh Pant comes in and takes his rightful place,” Manjrekar added.
