22

May

India’s Test Challenge in England: A Time for Sensible Selection

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India is headed for a challenging five-Test series in England, coming on the heels of back-to-back Test series defeats—first against New Zealand at home and then in Australia. Adding to the complications are the retirements of two modern greats, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. While their recent struggles with the bat may soften the blow in terms of performance, their exit represents a significant psychological shift for the team.

This scenario places greater responsibility on the selectors to make choices rooted in performance, talent, and logic—qualities that were notably lacking in the recent Australia tour, where some puzzling decisions were made.

For example, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal were named as first-choice openers, with Abhimanyu Easwaran as backup. However, when Rohit missed the first Test, KL Rahul was moved up to open instead of Easwaran. This was a justifiable call—Rahul’s overseas record as an opener, especially in SENA countries, is superior to even Rohit and Kohli’s, with seven of his eight Test centuries scored abroad. If that was the plan, he could have been officially considered a backup opener, freeing up a middle-order slot for another specialist batter. Now, with Rohit retired, Rahul should return as a full-time opener alongside Jaiswal, with Easwaran as the reserve.

Another questionable decision involved Sarfaraz Khan. Despite being selected as a middle-order option, he was overlooked when a replacement was needed, with Devdutt Padikkal—who wasn't in the original squad—being flown in instead. Sarfaraz never got a look-in, despite continued underperformance by other batters. Why pick him in the first place if he wasn’t going to be tried?

Selectors must show consistency.

 

Column at a Glance
A person with a beard AI-generated content may be incorrect.India faces a challenging five-Test series in England following recent defeats against New Zealand and Australia, compounded by the retirements of key players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Their departures necessitate a shift in team dynamics and increased scrutiny on selectors, who must prioritize performance and talent over past reputations. The selection process has been criticized for inconsistencies, such as overlooking Sarfaraz Khan despite his inclusion in the squad. The likely squad includes openers Rahul and Jaiswal, with Easwaran as a backup, and a middle order featuring Shubman Gill and potentially Sarfaraz. The bowling lineup is expected to include Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, while all-rounder Nitish Reddy and spinners like Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar are also key. The selectors must avoid sentimentality and focus on merit, as this series will test both the players and their judgment.



 

 

As things stand, the logical choices for openers are Jaiswal, Rahul, and Easwaran. A typical 16-member squad for England should include:

•      3 openers

•      3 middle-order batters

•      2 wicketkeepers

•      3 spinners

•      5 pacers

The likely playing XI would feature:

•      2 openers

•      3 middle-order batters

•      1 wicketkeeper

•      1 pace all-rounder

•      3 pacers

•      1 spinner

A second spinner may be included in spin-friendly conditions by replacing a pacer.

With Kohli’s retirement and Rahul likely to open, Shubman Gill is the only certainty in the middle order—most likely at No. 3. If he takes on the captaincy, he could move to No. 4. Sarfaraz Khan deserves inclusion on the grounds of selection consistency. The other contenders for middle-order slots include Padikkal, Shreyas Iyer, Karun Nair, and Sai Sudharsan. Nair merits a recall due to consistent domestic performances and his previous Test triple century. Sai Sudharsan could be considered based on recent form. Iyer may also get in, especially if Rahul is treated as a backup wicketkeeper, which opens a slot for an extra batter.

Rishabh Pant is the obvious first-choice wicketkeeper, with Dhruv Jurel as backup. However, if the selectors view Rahul as a backup keeper, that could allow the inclusion of another batsman instead.

Pace bowlers:

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are automatic picks. Harshit Rana and Akash Deep are strong contenders. Prasidh Krishna, who toured Australia, and Arshdeep Singh—if the team seeks a left-arm option—are also in the mix.

All-rounders:

Nitish Reddy has earned his place and can serve as the third or fourth seamer. Shardul Thakur brings useful experience and could be an asset.

Spinners:

Ravindra Jadeja is a lock, and Washington Sundar should also be in the squad. The third spinner slot should go to Kuldeep Yadav over Axar Patel due to the wrist-spinner's variety. Sundar is likely to feature in the playing XI more often due to his balance with bat and ball.

Likely Squad:

Rahul, Jaiswal, Easwaran, Gill, Sarfaraz, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Pant, Reddy, Sundar, Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Arshdeep, and possibly Iyer as a 17th member to bolster the batting.

Selection Must Not Be Sentimental

In today’s media-rich environment, selectors are under greater scrutiny, with commentary from former cricketers and passionate fans on social media. They must avoid three key pitfalls:

1.    Overvaluing IPL performances over long-term red-ball form.

2.    Blurring the lines between formats.

3.    Making "soft" or reputation-based selections when hard choices are required.

We must also recognize that some outstanding talents inevitably get blocked by generational players. When MS Dhoni was India’s wicketkeeper, others like Dinesh Karthik, Parthiv Patel, and Wriddhiman Saha got limited chances. Similarly, if Pant is fit and available, other keepers—regardless of form—may not get opportunities in Tests.

This tour of England is not just a test of Indian cricketers—it is equally a test of the selectors’ judgment.

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