5 Indian Test issues that remain unanswered

Wicket-Keeper: Dinesh Karthik vs Rishabh Pant

England Lions v India A - Day Three

Since MS Dhoni’s retirement, the wicket-keeping position has become a major question for the Indian side. While Wriddihaman Saha has been the preferred option, the Bengal wicket-keeper is injured for the England series.

This has led to two very different selections for the wicket-keeping spot: a recall for the experienced Dinesh Karthik and the first test selection for a young Rishabh Pant.

Karthik is considered by most to be the likely option- he was in the squad for the South Africa series and played his first test for eight years against Afghanistan (keeping well but only making four with the bat).

Yet, there will certainly be a temptation to play with Pant whose attacking brilliance has been evident in all forms of domestic cricket including the Ranji Trophy and the IPL. Pant has an excellent first-class record, averaging 54.16 at a strike rate of 98.54.

However, Karthik’s first-class record is just as impressive, having averaged 54.15 in his previous full Ranji Trophy season in 2016-17. Moreover, Karthik’s experience in England may be extremely valuable: he acquitted himself very well as an opener (an especially difficult role in the country) in India’s 2007 tour of the country.

This makes Karthik a likely selection, but perhaps Pant’s potential may be a little too enticing for India.