Statistical analysis of India's overseas Test performances in 2018

Pant showing promise as a keeper-batsman

Though it has been 3 years since Dhoni’s retirement from the longest format, the Indians haven’t yet found the perfect replacement for him as a keeper-batsman. For about 3 years when Saha was given the nod ahead of the others, his keeping skills were impressive but he looked all at sea with the bat. His injury gave Parthiv Patel and Dinesh Karthik a few chances, but neither of them impressing with the bat meant a few chances for Rishabh Pant in England.

The way Pant kept wickets to the fast bowlers and tackled the late swing was extraordinary for someone keeping for the first time in the test arena. Though he didn't amass too many runs in his first few innings, he showed glimpses of his counter-attacking nature. Now with that century, he has deservedly cemented his place for the next few series. One big reason for Pant's success was his positive intent to score runs, which the other 3 seemed to lack to a good extent.