Rarely has a Test match held so much significance for individuals in a home series. But the opening game of the two-match series versus Sri Lanka in Mohali perhaps reflects Indian cricket’s changing environment in recent times.
Virat Kohli’s 100th Test cannot be dismissed as just of academic interest given his fickle form and his decision to give up captaincy after the series in South Africa. Rohit Sharma, the beneficiary, will make his captaincy debut in Tests and will be keen to prove that he is as adept at leading in the traditional format as in the limited overs version. Simply put, this is not going to be another Test for the Big Two of Indian cricket.
From a team perspective, this match could spell the start of a new-look Indian batting, especially the middle-order. It’s no secret that the days of Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara are almost over, assurances from chief selector Chetan Sharma notwithstanding.
For the first time in more than a decade, India will be without Rahane and Pujara in a Test. A good Ranji Trophy season may not help them win back their lost national berths if the youngsters perform creditably.
No wonder Rahul Dravid is looking to the future and would like to utilise the opportunity to test the newcomers in this series before the lone Test in England in July.
While Rohit is set to open the innings with Mayank Agarwal in Mohali, there is confusion over who could occupy the No. 3 slot. Pujara had made it his own, toiling successfully in all conditions until a lean patch stalled his progress.
Kohli will be the best suited to bat at No. 3 but whether he will agree to give up his much-cherished No.4 berth is still unknown. If Kohli sticks to his batting position, the clamour for the No. 3 berth could intensify and it could be left to Dravid to decide.
Shreyas Iyer has been in good form since his century on Test debut against New Zealand in Kanpur. He finished as Man of the Series in the T20Is versus Sri Lanka, accumulating 204 runs in three matches at a strike rate of 174.35.
He missed the series in South Africa after complaining of a stomach bug with Hanuma Vihari capitalising on the chances. With Vihari’s place in the side almost confirmed, it could turn out to be a choice between Shreyas and Shubman Gill.
There is talk that Vihari may be given the No. 3 position because of his defensive approach, similar to that of Pujara. Vihari has so far played Tests in conditions that needed an extra batter, which is why 12 of his 13 Tests have been overseas.
Shreyas has the edge since Shubman hasn’t played much after his shin injury resurfaced following the New Zealand Tests. Considered technically sound, Shubman averages 56.56 in 33 first-class matches. He has played 44 of his 57 first class innings as an opener and Dravid has seen him from close quarters during his India A stint.
Shreyas’s ability to dominate the spinners, as was evident in the home Tests versus New Zealand, could tilt the scales in his favour. A first-class average of 52.10 over 56 matches amply validates his utility in the middle-order.
The rest of the players select themselves automatically with vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah making it clear that Ravichandran Ashwin was “looking comfortable” at nets. Ravindra Jadeja’s availability is sure to add balance to the attack with three pacers completing the line-up.
Bahutule speculation
Sairaj Bahutule’s presence among the support staff in Mohali has given rise to speculation that he might be drafted in as a spin consultant.
The BCCI, however, dismissed such talk, saying that NCA coach Bahutule was there to help the Test specialists when Dravid and Team India bowling coach Paras Mhambrey were busy with the limited overs matches.
