India’s humiliating loss in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia has certainly forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to do some serious overhauling to bring the Test side back to the dominant mode in the traditional format of the game.
India’s next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have started drawing up plans to prepare the dominant Test side to win the next ICC World Test Championship (WCT).
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With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight phase of their careers, the Indian selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future as the iconic batsmen could soon get a call for their Test futures.
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Days after India were humiliated in the five-match Test series against Australia, Sarfaraz Khan’s future in the Indian Test team is said to be in jeopardy after doubts were raised over his technique against quality fast bowling, according to a PTI report. According to reports, Sarfaraz will not be selected for the upcoming England tour.
Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against high-speed 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 is in jeopardy for India’s tour of England
Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was notably absent from batting practice during several net sessions, hinting at his possible drop in the team pecking order. With the much-awaited tour of England on the horizon, sources have suggested that Sarfaraz Khan may be left out of the Test squad.
The PTI report states: “Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against real fast bowling has always been questionable, but the way he fared in Pune and Mumbai in the home Tests against New Zealand has made the current team management wary. On most of the pitches, Sarfaraz didn’t even come out to bat during the regular net sessions, an indication that he is quite low in the order.”
Indian selectors watch impressive performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer battle for Test berths
Meanwhile, India’s three experienced players could make a strong comeback in the Test squad, and they are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Gaikwad’s pedigree is undisputed 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 panel is said to be looking for impressive performances and not just the number of runs or wickets, and decisions will be made after this Ranji season ends in February. Additionally, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are vying for places, especially with the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.
Sudharsan, after recovering from surgery, could be a key contender if he maintains his form and fitness in the second round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. While there are plenty of options in the batting department, India face a bigger problem in the bowling department, especially the pace.
The fast-bowling cupboard looks bare and names like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have not made changes in the game, as have Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-handers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.
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