‘I would play KS Bharat as the specialist keeper’ – Nayan Mongia shares his verdict on India’s wicket-keeping conundrum ahead of WTC final

Ishan Kishan and KS Bharat. (Photo Source: Twitter and BCCI)

The Indian cricket team is all set to take on the dangerous Australian unit in the World Test Championship final starting June 7 at The Oval. Given that this is a one-off game, we may anticipate a lot of drama given the strong rivalry between the two teams. It will be interesting to observe whether wicketkeeper KS Bharat or Ishan Kishan gets the nod ahead as wicket-keeper for the match. 

With the ability to hold one end, KS Bharat can annoy the bowlers. Bharat was part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy between India and Australia not too long ago, but his returns were far from impressive – 101 runs in 4 Tests at an average of 20.20. Since he is regarded as arguably one of the best keepers in the nation going around, he possesses an advantage over Kishan, who has not yet played for India in a Test match.

Veteran India wicket-keeper Nayan Mongia responded on the Kishan versus Bharat argument and backed the latter. Mongia reckons India need a specialist keeper in England where the Dukes ball swings and does a lot more. He wants the management to show faith in KS Bharat for ICC WTC 2021-23 final. Mongia feels that Bharat has done enough to retain his spot.

“I would play Bharat as a specialist keeper in England because he has done well. One bad match doesn’t make him a bad keeper. He is a specialised keeper; he has been doing well over a period of time. Whatever limited chances he has gotten in the Indian team, he has done reasonably well to retain his place,” Mongia said on Star Sports.

It’s challenging to keep wicket in England: Mongia

The rise of Kishan as a limited-overs batter earned him a maiden India Test call-up in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in February, although he had to sit out due to Bharat getting the nod over him.

Both players have the experience of playing in England as part of India A tours, although Kishan, a 23-year-old swashbuckling batter who recently scored the fastest ODI double century, may not be the best option when facing a moving ball based on what a lot of experts have argued. Mongia explained how it is different to keeping wickets in England with the Dukes as compared to the Kookaburra.

“Conditions in England it is one of the most difficult places to keep wicket. The ball wobbles a lot, dips a lot especially in the first half. You need to get up with the ball, have to watch all 90 overs. We are going to play Test cricket with the Dukes ball. It’s a little harder compared to the Kookaburra. The seam is upright, so the ball swings a lot. I know how hard it is because we played the World Cup and it really thumps your palm and it really hits your gloves. It’s an added advantage for bowlers since the ball remains hard for a longer time,” he added further.