India’s humiliating failure in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia has surely forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to do some serious overhauling to get the Test side back into dominant mode in the traditional format of the game.
India’s next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have begun to put their plans in motion to prepare a dominant Test team to win the next ICC World Test Championship (WCT).
India’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 disaster forces overhaul ahead of WTC plans
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight of their careers, the Indian selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future as the iconic batsmen could soon be calling Test futures.
Days after India’s five-match Test series humiliation against Australia, Sarfaraz Khan’s future in India’s Test squad is said to be in jeopardy after doubts were raised over his technique against quality fast bowling, according to a PTI report. It is reported that Sarfaraz will not be selected for the upcoming England tour.
Sarfaraz Khan’s high-pace bowling technique has come under intense scrutiny since he was dismissed in the Pune and Mumbai Tests against New Zealand last year. The Indian cricket team management has reportedly lost faith in Khan’s ability to tackle quality pace attacks.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Test berth for England tour of India is at risk
Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz did not take part in batting practice during several net sessions, hinting at a potential drop in the team pecking order. With the much-awaited England tour on the horizon, sources said Sarfaraz Khan could be left out of the Test squad.
A PTI report said: “Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against real fast bowling has always been questionable, but his performances in the home Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai have made the current team management wary. On most pitches, Sarfaraz did not even bat during regular net sessions, which shows that he is at a very low level.”
Indian selectors are eyeing impressive 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 return to the Test team and they are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Despite his struggles in India A matches, Gaikwad’s pedigree is unquestionable, while Patidar and Iyer have struggled but could prove their worth with strong performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25.
India’s selection committee is said to be looking for impressive performances rather than the number of runs or wickets and decisions will be made after this Ranji season ends in February. In addition, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are fighting for places, especially with the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.
Sudharsan, after recovering from surgery, could be a major contender if he maintains his form and fitness in the second round of Ranji Trophy 2024-25. While there are many options for the batting department, India face a bigger challenge in the bowling department, especially the pace.
The fast-bowling cupboard looks bare and names like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have not stepped up like game changers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-arm seamers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.
Also read: Former India coach blames T20 World Cup win for Rohit Sharma’s shocking form slump
