Ind vs NZ: VVS Laxman, Irfan Pathan Laud 'Super Substitute' KS Bharat's Glovework

KS Bharat enjoyed a superb first day in international cricket as he affected three crucial dismissals (two catches and one stumping) of Kiwi batters on Day 4 of Ind vs NZ 1st Test.

New Delhi: Team India's senior wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha could not take the field on Day 3 of India vs New Zealand 1st Test due to strain in his neck. The veteran was replaced by the team's second wicketkeeper KS Bharat, who has been included in the team as a substitute player.

The pitch in Kanpur is famous for its uneven bounce, most of the times the ball stays low. It is difficult for even world-class wicket-keepers to not make any mistake there behind the stumps. However, KS Bharat enjoyed a superb first day in international cricket as he affected three crucial dismissals (two catches and one stumping) of Kiwi batters in Ind vs NZ 1st Test.

Reacting to Bharat's memorable outing, some fans and cricket experts lauded the young wicketkeeper batter for his outstanding glovework.

VVS Laxman had also said in a conversation with a TV channel that Rahul Dravid had told him about KS Bharat's wicket-keeping skills long back.

"Very impressed with the way KS Bharat has kept on this wkt and against quality spinners. Great hands and outstanding foot work. Definitely has a very bright future," VVS Laxman wrote on Twitter.

Very impressed with the way KS Bharat has kept on this wkt and against quality spinners. Great hands and outstanding foot work. Definitely has a very bright future. #NZvIND pic.twitter.com/tvLk9RbBne

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) November 27, 2021

Brilliant brilliant catch by Srikar Bharat. Stayed low in the position till the last moment 👏

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) November 27, 2021

Some users on social media even demanded that the Indian team management should include KS Bharat in playing XI of 2nd Test match.

KS Bharat should be the starter for India in the next Test match ahead of Wriddhiman Saha. He's doing a fantastic job today coming in as a substitute. We've seen the catches he picked, the ball is staying low and he's adjusting to it very well.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 27, 2021

Great day behind the stumps for KS Bharat!!
Two brilliant catches and a good stumping..!
Seems to be a good keeper against spin..#INDvsNZ #ksbharat pic.twitter.com/ntA03GB9Bn

— Geofinn_12🦁 (@12Geofinn) November 27, 2021

After the end of the third day's play, KS Bharat had said in a conversation with R Ashwin and Axar Patel on BCCI TV that he had only 12 minutes to get ready for the match upon learning about Wriddhiman Saha’s neck issue.