Cricket fever grips India as the stage is set for a captivating five-match Test series against England, starting January 25 in Hyderabad. But this isn’t just any clash of titans; it’s a war of philosophies, with England’s audacious “Bazball” approach facing off against India’s formidable spin machine.
In the corner of unwavering confidence stands Virat Kohli, a player who needs no introduction to Indian cricket fans. His home Test record against England is nothing short of phenomenal: a 50+ average, a double hundred, and two tons under his belt. As commentator and legend Sunil Gavaskar quipped, to Star Sports “Agar unke pass Bazball hai, to hamare pass Viratball hai” (If they have Bazball, we have Viratball).
Virat Kohli recent form – emerging as India’s top scorer in the drawn South Africa series and his 186 in the last home Test against Australia – is a testament to his hunger for runs and his ability to rise to the occasion. His presence at No.3 bolsters India’s batting order, creating a formidable wall between England and the coveted victory.
Bazball of England vs Virat Kohli?
But England isn’t here to play it safe. They’re bringing their “Bazball” philosophy, a high-octane, risk-taking approach that has brought them success in recent times. Shorter boundaries, bigger bats, and a T20-inspired mindset form the core of this aggressive batting strategy. Sunil Gavaskar acknowledges the potential of Bazball, even in India’s spin-friendly conditions: “Bazball can work… the bats are well-built that even mishits go for sixes… So, yes, why not, Bazball can work and they will try to do it.”
However, Sunil Gavaskar throws a curveball of his own: “The first Test will be very important… it’ll be a good test for Bazball against our spinners.” India’s spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel are not ones to underestimate. Their combined 32 and 27 wickets in the 2020-21 home series against England speak volumes of their ability to weave webs of deception and wreak havoc with the ball.
The opening Test in Hyderabad will not only set the tone for the series but also serve as a battleground where contrasting ideologies clash. Can Bazball’s explosive batsmen outmuscle India’s spin maestros? Can Virat Kohli orchestrate another home-ground masterclass against his familiar foes and Bazball? The answers lie in the unfolding drama of each over, each session, each Test.
