A batsman’s true test is making runs in England given the changing weather conditions and varying character of pitches. Batting had been Team India’s Achilles heel on their last tour in 2018 when they lost the series 1-4.
Barring Virat Kohli (593 runs), none of the other batsmen had managed to make a mark. It was only in the final Test that KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant scored centuries in a losing cause at The Oval.
Former captain Dilip Vengsarkar, one of India’s most successful batsmen in England, told The Telegraph on Saturday that it is important for every batsman to contribute to build on their invincible tag after the success Down Under. Vengsarkar, who had the nickname “Colonel”, holds the rare record of scoring a hundred in his three Test appearances (103 in 1979, 157 in 1982, and 126 not out in 1986) at Lord’s.
“England in England are always a formidable opponent. It will be no walkover but at the same time we have to keep in mind that India are the No.1 side in Tests and a force to reckon with,” Vengsarkar said.
“The batting is solid right from the top with Rohit Sharma, Virat, Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and others. Everyone has to contribute just like they did in Australia. It will not help if only Virat or Rohit get runs. It’s not fair to depend on a couple of players.”
One of the architects of the series triumph in 1986 with centuries at Lord’s and Headingley, Vengsarkar has been “surprised” by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s omission from the 20-member squad announced on Friday.
“I’ve been surprised by the exclusion of Gaikwad. He is very promising and could have been groomed on this tour. He is only 24 and it’s important to give him opportunities... It doesn’t necessarily mean that he has to play, even being part of the team helps a cricketer to develop and mature,” he said.
Vengsarkar, though, hasn’t been surprised by the absence of Prithvi Shaw and Hardik Pandya. “Shaw’s not getting picked was on the cards. He may have done well in the domestic limited overs format and the IPL but he hasn’t got the chance to prove himself in the longer format. He has to improve his defensive technique and unless he shows that he has overcome this technical deficiency he has to wait.
“Hardik can come in only as an all-rounder. Since he’s not bowling, he doesn’t fit into the scheme of things. He can’t be included solely as a batsman,” he remarked.
Vengsarkar wants to look at the pros and cons of having four spinners in the squad. “It could seem a bit of a luxury but don’t forget the series versus England begins in the second half of the English summer. From middle of July till September it will be very warm and the wickets will help the spinners.
“At the same time I think Axar Patel could have been kept out and a batsman taken. He achieved success in tailormade home conditions versus England. Remember, Ravindra Jadeja will always be the first choice left-arm spinner.
“I also don’t know how Washington Sundar and Hanuma Vihari will cope with English conditions. I, though, have seen very little of Vihari and that, too, mainly in Test matches. Playing County cricket doesn’t mean you can achieve success in conditions that favour seam and swing.”
The former chief selector thinks New Zealand will be tough opponents in the World Test Championship final. “On paper India certainly look better... Man-to-man comparison also will put India ahead. But you can’t underestimate New Zealand. No team will enjoy the home advantage which means performance will take centrestage.
“New Zealand’s attack (Trent Boult, Tim Southee and Neil Wagner) could prove to be a handful. At the same time our pace attack is also formidable and you can bet on their performance. So both sides are evenly placed.”
