Ricky Ponting picks between IPL mentees Prithvi Shaw and Rishabh Pant for Boxing Day Test

After ir humiliating defeat against Australia at elaide, Indian team will have to make several tough calls going into Boxing Dat Test. team manment will be forced to introduce changes as visitors look to regroup in absence of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has also suggested an immediate change in India's middle-order. 

India vs Australia 2020: Ricky Ponting reckons Rishabh Pant's inclusion is essential for Team India

Indian batsmen's shortcomings were exposed by Aussie pace battery in Day and Night Test in elaide. After a decent outing in first innings, where y mand to post a score of 244 after a gutsy half-century by skipper Virat Kohli, Indian batting line-up suffered an embarrassing collapse in ir second innings. ne of players could man to cross double-figure mark, and y were bundled out for a paltry score of 36. 

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Australian legend Ricky Ponting shared his views in a conversation with cricket.com.au, where he highlighted a few changes that side must incorporate in order to bounce back after pink-ball test debacle. prolific batsman mentioned how it will be tough for Indian contingent to fight back after such a miserable performance, and that too without Virat Kohli. This is why he feels that Indian think-tank should give Rishabh Pant preference for upcoming matches, as he would d much-needed depth in struggling middle-order. 

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tably, Ricky Ponting has seen Rishabh Pant's progress from close quarters during his stint with Delhi IPL team, and he opined that left-hander can be instrumental in changing fortunes of Indian team. He also mentioned how Prithvi Shaw's failures need to be looked upon and a decision needs to be me regarding his selection. Ponting is well aware of capabilities of two cricketers and was also spot on with his predictions regarding Prithvi Shaw's inability to cope up with incoming delivery. 

Can Rishabh Pant help India st a turnaround?

flamboyant batsman has often received criticism for his reckless shot selection. However, player has often contributed significantly with bat in red-ball cricket for Indian team. Moreover, Rishabh Pant has h a fruitful run in Australian conditions as well, and he also is first Indian wicketkeeper to rake in a century in Australia. He showcased his scintillating form in second tour game as well, where he slammed a spectacular century. 

India vs Australia 2020

second Test of 'Border-Gavaskar' trophy is extremely crucial for Indian side, especially after ir underwhelming performance in opening fixture. Ajinkya Rahane will le team for remainder of series, whereas Mohammed Shami's injury will also be a major point of concern for visitors. Ajinkya Rahane-led side will be eying to put up a strong show in upcoming encounter. 

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India vs Australia schedule

India vs Australia 2nd Test – Melbourne Cricket Ground between December 26 and December 30

India vs Australia 3rd Test – Sydney Cricket Ground between January 7 and January 11

India vs Australia 4th Test – Gabba between January 15 and January 19

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Im source: AP