Will Ishan Kishan replace KS Bharat in the 4th Test? Rohit Sharma gives his verdict

A lot of tweaks in strategy could be expected from Rohit Sharma in fourth and final Test in Ahmedab against Australia but Indian skipper insisted y will be relying on wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat in long format for time being. Bharat hasn't h many chances to prove his worth and he has been battling for a place in team with Ishan Kishan. fourth Test will begin in Ahmedab on March 9.

India le four match series 2-1 after winning first two Tests with Australia coming out on top in third.

Will Ishan Kishan play in fourth Test?

Ishan Kishan has been roped in as a replacement for Rishabh Pant who was seriously injured in a ro accident on December 30, 2022, on Delhi-Dehrun highways. Pant, who is also captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) team Delhi Capitals, will be on sidelines for a prolonged period and his place behind stumps is up for grabs. Rohit insisted Indian team has missed Pant's service but Kishan can slip into role. “He’s a big miss … Honestly, when you are speaking about (Rishabh) Pant, we all kw what he can do with bat. Also, keeping, last couple of years he has kept so well for us on turning wickets and all of that."

“When we knew that he (Pant) is t going to be available for us, that was one of reasons we got Ishan (Kishan) in. He’s a left-hander, can play attacking (cricket),” Rohit ded.

Rohit Sharma also went on to extend his support to KS Bharat who is facing severe pressure from Ishan Kishan on eve of final Test.

“Speaking about (KS) Bharat, he has spent a lot of time in domestic cricket, Ranji Trophy, India A, zonals and he has scored a lot of runs. So, it will be slightly unfair to judge him on se kinds of wickets. Especially if someone is making ir debut, you have got to give him eugh room or innings for him to set himself up for a big score. That is important.”

He also revealed he spoke with Bharat before start of Border-Gavaskar trophy

“It’s something I spoke to him before start of series as well. ‘Do t worry about what kind of pitches we will play, you will get eugh time to prove yourself because se pitches are t easy’.

“If you want to play on pitches like that, you have got to be rey for guys failing in some of innings as well. n, you have got to back those guys, that’s what we are doing with KS. KS, like I said, he’s got lots of runs. Lots of experience in domestic cricket, good keeper.”