- Nothing in India evokes stronger reactions than anything and everything related to cricket. As you are aware, every Indian is an expert on cricket with strong opinions and stronger passionate discourses right from the composition of the team to who should be batting and bowling at what positions. So much so that every significant and insignificant event surrounding cricket has drawn great attention and detailed dissection, leaving even the connoisseurs, experts, ex-cricketers, and people closely associated with the game flummoxed. Not for nothing, cricket is considered no less than a religion in India. Any important series coming up would entail serious discussions, and the ensuing India-England Five-Test match contest has drawn attention for various reasons.
PC: NDTV Sports
- The whole country was, in a way, concerned with the retirement announcement of the Hitman Rohit Sharma and the talismanic Virat Kohli from Tests. Yes, it was palpable that Rohit Sharma was struggling in the classic format of the game for some time. As such, his announcement from the Tests was on expected lines. However, what must have raised the concerns of the cricket fans was the totally unexpected retirement announcement of Kohli from Tests when the majority opinion was overwhelmingly in favour of his continuation for at least two more years. His fitness levels, passion, intent, and commitment are never in question. Period. However, his returns in Tests were not on expected lines in the last couple of years is also not to be brushed aside. Statistics reveal.
PC: Times of India
- Despite the BCCI mandarins and the selectors making efforts to impress upon Kohli to reconsider the decision to retire from Tests, he stood firm. The selectors were left with not only appointing a Test captain but also looking for suitable replacements to fill the big shoes of Sharma and Kohli to take Indian cricket forward in the next decade or so. Of course, every Test team inevitably goes through the transition phase where some of the marquee and proven players make way for the younger ones to take charge. The competition to get selected for the Test team is humongous, with so many players vying to grab attention. Mind you, Test cricket is considered the ultimate format by every cricketer. A cricketer’s true worth is measured by performance in Tests, no less.
PC: Travels Dubai
- The selectors have chosen stylish and extremely promising Shubhman Gill as the captain for the England series. The choice of Gill as captain is not only apt but also based on how the player has emerged in the last few years, showing leadership skills in the limited opportunities available. His stint as the captain of the Gujarat Titans in the ongoing edition of the IPL has been spot on. Cool demeanor, unflappable temperament, composed disposition, and exercising control/restraint while handling the team have shown enough potential of how Gill could be the man to shepherd Team India in Tests. Now that the selectors have picked Gill to lead the team, it is only natural to extend all possible support and a long rope for him to navigate the choppy waters.
