The first India vs England Test is done and dusted. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley decimated the hosts with an effort of 7/62, while India is left wondering, what really went wrong? Frankly, the way India had suffered a batting collapse, was always on the cards, given the fragile middle order we have, sans Virat Kohli. Shubman Gill & Shreyas Iyer just blew away their chances, while KL Rahul just flattered to deceive with his 86 in the first innings.
For now, India’s batting troubles are far too many, with the solutions, it seems like, are not coming anytime soon. Gill seems to be struggling against every opposition, versus any type of bowler, irrespective of whether India plays at home or abroad.
In 2021, he averaged nearly 30 in Tests, the same in 2022, and in 2023 that dipped to 28.66. Come 2024, in the four innings he has played, he only averages over 17. So this is another struggle right there. As for Iyer, his shortcomings against the short balls is evident, but against spin in India, he hasn’t impressed much either. In the 13 innings at home, he has 478 runs only, at an average of 36.
Lastly, Rahul has finally started to come good in Tests, but he too has a knack for throwing his wicket away. This really comes to the fore in the third and the fourth innings of a match. In the former, he averages 22.59, and in the fourth, he averages only 25.61. In Centurion Test against South Africa, after scoring a ton, he was out for 4 in the next, while here in Hyderabad, he was removed for 22. So, yet another problem.
Sarfaraz Khan, Rinku Singh Could be the Solution
Given the past track record, India would likely persist with the same team combination for the next Test, and another forced change for the last three, where Virat Kohli comes in. But other than that, it looks unlikely at this point, India will rope in someone like Sarfaraz Khan and Rinku Singh, who have insane domestic records.
One doesn’t really know how Sarfaraz gets into the team’s middle order, since his 69+ average doesn’t seem to impress the selectors. Otherwise, his technique against spin could be mighty effective in tackling Tom Hartley, Jack Leach, or other England spinners. In the unofficial Tests against England Lions too, he is fresh from scoring 55 & 161.
Another player who should definitely get a look in is Rinku, who in 45 first-class matches, averages over 56. Although he failed in one of the matches against the England Lions but has international experience anyway. If not them, India has the option of looking at Shivam Dube, who has been in exceptional batting form in first-class cricket. Against Uttar Pradesh, he scored 117 and picked up three wickets in the match.
Given the circumstances, India should consider these must changes, but for that, they will have to make brave calls, and whether that happens or not, remains to be seen.
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