India’s embarrassing debacle in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has certainly forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to undertake a serious review to get the Test team back to dominant mode in the traditional format of the game.
India’s next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have started chalking out plans to prepare the dominant Test team to win the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WCT).
India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle forces earlier review of WTC plans
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight phase of their careers, Indian selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future as the iconic batsmen will soon be able to make a decision on their Test futures.
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Days after India’s humiliation in the five-match Test series against Australia, Sarfaraz Khan’s future in the Indian Test team is said to be in jeopardy after questions were raised over his technique against fast bowling. quality, according to a PTI report. Sarfaraz will reportedly not be picked for the upcoming tour of England.
Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against fast bowling has come under intense scrutiny following his dismissals in the Pune and Mumbai Tests against New Zealand last year. The Indian cricket team management is reportedly losing confidence in Khan’s abilities to deal with quality pace attacks.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Test spot at risk for India’s tour of England
Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was noticeably absent from batting drills during several net sessions, hinting at his possible fall in the team hierarchy. With the much-awaited tour of England on the horizon, sources suggested that Sarfaraz Khan could be left out of the Test squad.
The PTI report says: “Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against really fast bowling was always doubtful but the way he came out in Pune and Mumbai in the home Tests against New Zealand has made the current team management cautious. In most places, Sarfaraz did not even come out to bat during the usual net sessions, an indication that he is quite low in the pecking order.”
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Indian selectors eye shock performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer fight for Test places
Meanwhile, India’s three experienced players could make a strong comeback in the Test team, and they are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Gaikwad’s pedigree is unquestionable despite his struggles in India A matches, while Patidar and Iyer have faced challenges but could prove their worth with strong performances in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
The Indian selection committee is reportedly looking for impactful performances rather than just the number of runs or wickets, and decisions will be taken after this Ranji season ends in February. Also, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are competing for places, especially with the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.
Sudharsan, having recovered from surgery, could be a key contender if he maintains his form and fitness in the second round of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25. While there are multiple options in the batting department, India faces a bigger problem in the bowling department, especially pace.
The fast bowling cupboard seems empty and names like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have not stepped up like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-arm seamers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.
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