- As you are aware, the retirement of Rohit Sharma from Tests not only opens a batting position right at the top but also the role of the captain in the most gruelling format of cricket. Of course, Rohit Sharma was struggling in the Tests over the last couple of years is stating the obvious. And he is not getting any younger either. However, what must have shocked the entire cricketing fraternity is the unexpected announcement of Virat Kohli from Tests. Remember, Kohli has been the most vocal supporter of the classic format, highlighting the primacy of Tests at every given opportunity with great intent. He was the biggest ambassador of Tests around the world, where cricket enthusiasts used to flock to the stadium to watch Kohli play with such intent and passion.
PC: India Today
- Kohli’s retirement would be a loss to Team India as well as to the entire cricket-playing world. Once in a generation player, Kohli has been a constant in pushing the bar vis-à-vis physical fitness levels, passionately upholding the virtues of encouraging fast bowlers, an attacking mindset, fielding five bowlers with intent to win, and ushering unparalleled energy on the field. The moot point to ponder over here is now that the two great servants of the game have retired, who are those players identified to fill in those big shoes? Thus, the BCCI selection panel headed by chief Ajit Agarkar, making the team announcement for the ensuing five-match Test series against England, makes for an interesting read. Let’s dwelve further to comprehend the same.
PC: NDTV Sports
- First and foremost, who will open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal begs the question. Is it KL Rahul, Abhimanyu Easwaran, or a promising newbie like Sai Sudharsan? We will have to wait for the answers. Where will the newly appointed captain, Shubhman Gill, bat? The number three or four position vacated by Kohli? If Gill is asked to bat at number three, then reselected Karun Nair would be most appropriate to bat at the crucial number four position. The first four batting positions should be sorted out before the series goes deep. All-rounders like Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, and Shardul Thakur will have a critical role to essay. Rishabh Pant will be donning the gloves behind the stumps, and his batting prowess will be critical for Team India’s chances.
PC: NewsBytes
- Since the overcast and seam conditions will aid the pace bowlers, Indian bowling will depend a lot on the impressive Jasprit Bumrah leading from the front. Except for his dodgy fitness levels, which raise questions about him playing all five Tests, a lot will depend on other seamers, too. This is where the likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and the debutant Arshdeep Singh will come into play. The spinning department will be shared between Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, depending on the conditions and team composition. It’s a very young team, and the players selected and given opportunities to play in the eleven will have to make it count to establish themselves. The whole cricketing world will be watching with keen interest.
