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India’s embarrassing debacle in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia has certainly forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to do a serious overhaul to bring the Test side 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 drawing up plans to prepare the dominant Test team to win the upcoming ICC World Test Championship (WCT).
India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy to review forces ahead of WTC plans
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 may soon get a call for their Test future.
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 doubts were raised over his technique against quality fast bowlers, according to a PTI report. Reportedly, Sarfaraz will not be picked 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. Indian cricket team management is losing confidence in Khan’s abilities to face quality pace attacks.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Test place is at risk for England’s tour of India
Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was noticeably absent from batting drills for several sessions in the net, hinting at his potential drop in the team’s pecking order. With the much-awaited tour of England on the horizon, sources suggested that Sarfaraz Khan might be left out of the Test squad.
The PTI report says: “Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against very fast bowling was always questionable, but the way he fared in Pune and Mumbai in the home Tests against New Zealand has made the current team management wary. At most places, Sarfaraz didn’t even come out to bat during regular net sessions, an indication that he is quite low in the pecking order.”
Indian selectors eye shock performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer battle for Test spots
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 the 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, after recovering from surgery, could be a key contender if he maintains form and fitness in the second round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. While there are multiple 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 changed the game like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-arm pacers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.
Read also: Former India coach blames T20 World Cup win for Rohit Sharma’s shocking drop in form
