Inept batting cost India the third Test against Australia in Indore. With an eye on the WTC final spot, the Indian think-tank may decide to strengthen their batting for the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, beginning in Ahmedabad from Thursday.

Ishan Kishan, therefore, could replace KS Bharat, who kept wickets in the first three Tests.

With scores of 8, 6, 23 not out, 17 and 3, Bharat has a total of 57 runs in five innings and Rishabh Pant’s replacement hasn’t been very impressive with the bat. He, however, has been impressive behind the wickets in what have been difficult conditions for any wicketkeeper.

With the Ahmedabad wicket unlikely to be a turner, will the team management decide to play Kishan? Head coach Rahul Dravid did spend a lot of time with Kishan as he got two separate hits at the nets. Ishan had been in good form in the limited overs format, including a double hundred against Bangladesh in an ODI.

The Motera track has a firm look to it and the even bounce means that Kishan’s attacking style of batting can be preferred by the team. That way he is being seen as a likefor-like replacement for Pant.

Dravid, however, came to Bharat’s defence at the media conference when asked about his lack of runs. “We are not (concerned) and it again comes to a question of perspective and understanding of some of the challenges and conditions that he has kept in and even though it’s not a big contribution but he got 17 in the first innings,” said Dravid.

“Got a nice contribution in Delhi where he played positively, and you need a little bit of luck in these conditions and he hasn’t probably had that, and he is shaping really well and keeping really nicely for us. So we need to put batting performance in perspective.”

Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are all-rounders and more than capable of playing match-winning knocks but aren’t considered players with the X-factor who can change the game in a single session.

Suryakumar Yadav was tried in Nagpur but that was due to the absence of Shreyas Iyer. The only factor that can go against Kishan is the presence of two off-spinners in the Australian ranks.

Kishan has had problems against deliveries that turn away but that has happened in white ball cricket where he has to attack straightaway. The Indian team management also needs to keep in mind that if India play the WTC final against Australia at The Oval.

Bharat could well struggle in such conditions against the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Hence, Kishan is being considered as a better option and Motera is perhaps the best place to check him out and see if he has the requisite temperament to play the traditional format.

Rest for Siraj

The think-tank could effect another change in the XI with Mohammed Shami coming in for Mohammed Siraj. This will allow Siraj to get a breather as part of workload management. Umesh Yadav, who was exceptional in the third Test, will likely retain his place in the XI. Shami bagged seven wickets in the first two Tests.

Australia are unlikely to make any changes to their team. Steve Smith will continue to lead the side. Pat Cummins, who departed following the second Test, will remain in Sydney, where his mother is in palliative care.

Smith filled in with distinction in the third Test in Indore to lead the visitors to a rare win in India.

With inputs from PTI