India made a strong comeback to level the IND vs ENG Test series 1-1. Up next, there is a long gap before the 3rd Test starts. Team India’s performances hasn’t been that good despite the victory. With batters failing to score runs, the entire team has been put under the scanner.
India fumbled both with the bat and bowl in the 2nd innings of the first Test. Come the second Test, India managed to seal the win courtesy of individual brilliances. Lack of consistency has been the key for the hosts.
But with the India squad announcement imminent, it is a tough choice of selectors. A few players potentially need to out of the squad. However, a few waiting in the bench deserve their much needed chance to prove their worth. India’s middle order has been all over the park in the absence of the few senior players.
Shubman Gill might have just saved his spot for another Test match after his century in Vizag. Prior to that the Baby GOAT has been in poor form in Test cricket. He last managed a Test ton back in march of 2023. In fact his recent century is his first ton batting at number 3, his new designated spot.
Shreyas Iyer, deemed to be a dependable batter has falter time and again. Unable to score big, rotate strikes and anchor the lower order, the KKR captain is going through a rough patch. With Virat Kohli likely to return and KL Rahul getting fit, there is a big chance that Iyer gets dropped in Rajkot.
Rohit Sharma, the Indian skipper is once again in the limelight. The burden of captaincy is slowly taking a toll on the veteran opener. Since the ODI World Cup, the star Indian opener has been going through a rough patch. Time and again, Rohit has been unable to score big runs. But dropping the skipper is out of the question. It is only probable that he gets a good rest before taking charge of the team again.
KL Rahul missed out the Vizag Test for a quads injury. But his absence was felt in the 2nd Test. India needs a dependable batter down the order who can anchor the innings. And KL Rahul fulfils that criteria. It is imperative that he returns to the team in the 3rd Test. Rajat Patidar had a rather half-decent outing on his maiden Test, but he will have to make way for KL Rahul.
KS Bharat, in the absence of Rishabh Pant and Ishan Kishan, KS Bharat is India’s prime keeper. Though youngster Dhruv Jurel is awaiting his chance, there is still time for him. Bharat was decent in the first 2 games, he needs to score big to solidify his chance in the team.