India's embarrassing debacle in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia has surely forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to do a serious overhaul to bring the Test side back to dominant mode in the traditional format of the game.
India's next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have started putting plans in place to prepare the dominant Test side to win the next ICC World Test Championship (WCT).
India's disastrous Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 forces reviewed ahead of WTC plans
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight phase of their careers, the Indian selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future as the iconic batsmen may soon get a call for their Test future.
Days after India's humiliation in the five-match Test series against Australia, Sarfaraz Khan's future in India's Test team is said to be in jeopardy after doubts were raised over his technique against quality fast bowling, according to a PTI report. Looks like Sarfaraz will not be picked for the upcoming England tour.
Sarfaraz Khan's technique against high-speed bowling has come under intense scrutiny following his dismissal in the Pune and Mumbai Tests against New Zealand last year. It seems that the Indian cricket team management is losing faith in Khan's ability to handle quality pace attacks.
Sarfaraz Khan's Test place is in jeopardy for England's tour of India
Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was notably absent from batting practice during several net sessions, hinting at his potential drop in the team pecking order. With the much-awaited England tour on the horizon, sources have suggested that Sarfaraz Khan may be left out of the Test squad.
The PTI report says: “Sarfaraz Khan's technique against real fast bowling has always been questionable but the way he has turned out in Pune and Mumbai in the home Tests against New Zealand has made the current team management wary. At most places, Sarfaraz did not even come out to bat during regular net sessions, an indication that he is quite low in the order.”
Indian selectors eye impact performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer battle for Test berths
Meanwhile, India's three experienced players could make a strong comeback in the Test squad and they are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Gaikwad's pedigree is undeniable despite his struggles in India A matches, while Patidar and Iyer have faced challenges but could prove their worth with strong performances in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.
It seems that the Indian selection committee is looking for impact performances rather than just the number of runs or wickets and the decisions will be taken after this Ranji season ends in February. Additionally, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are fighting for places, especially with the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.
Sudharsan, recovering from surgery, could be a key contender if he maintains his form and fitness in the second round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. While there are more options in the batting department, India face a bigger problem in the bowling department, especially the pace.
The fast bowling cupboard looks bare and names like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna have not performed as game changers, as have Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-arm seamers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.
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