Here’s why BCCI picked KS Bharat as standby wicketkeeper ahead of Sanju Samson

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) have picked KS Bharat as a back-up wicketkeeper for the second ODI against Australia in Rajkot. The Andhra Pradesh wicketkeeper batsman won’t feature in the game but will fulfil the function of backup to KL Rahul, who will don the wicketkeeping gloves.

Bharat’s last minute call was entailed after Rishabh Pant suffered a concussion during the first ODI in Mumbai. In the 44th over on the Indian innings, a Pat Cummins bouncer ricocheted off Rishabh Pant’s bat, hit him on the helmet and flew to point for a simple catch.

KL Rahul took the charge in the second innings after Pant was taken to the hospital for ‘overnight monitoring.’ However, the scans proved nothing major, and Pant was subsequently discharged.

Several fans would argue that Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan should have been given a chance to prove their worth in the second ODI. However, both the players are currently with the India A team in New Zealand. Meanwhile, KS Bharat’s Andhra side has not Ranji game in the forthcoming round.

“With Sanju Samson & Ishan Kishan being a part of the India A side in New Zealand, the selection committee decided to name KS Bharat as backup wicket-keeper,” the BCCI statement read.

“The call was taken after Rishabh Pant flew to Bengaluru to undergo his rehabilitation protocol in the National Cricket Academy.

“His recovery is being monitored, and a call on his availability for the final ODI in Bengaluru will be taken accordingly,” the statement added.

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