India’s embarrassing defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia has certainly forced the national selection committee and the BCCI to make some major changes to bring the Test side back to the dominant format of the traditional format of the game.
India’s next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have already started making plans to prepare the dominant Test side for winning the next ICC World Test Championship (WCT).
India’s 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy debacle forces WTC plans to overhaul plans ahead of schedule
With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight stages of their careers, India’s selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future as the iconic batsmen could soon take their Test the future.
Days after India’s humiliating defeat in the five-match Test series against Australia, Sarfaraz Khan’s future in the Indian Test team is in jeopardy amid concerns over his performance against quality fast bowling, PTI reports technology has been questioned. According to reports, Sarfaraz will not be selected for the upcoming tour of England.
Sarfaraz Khan’s fast bowling skills came under scrutiny after he was dropped from the Pune and Mumbai Tests against New Zealand last year. The Indian cricket team management has reportedly lost confidence in Khan’s ability to handle a quality pace attack.
Sarfaraz Khan’s Test spot for India’s England tour at risk
Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was noticeably absent from batting practice during several net sessions, hinting that his status in the team’s hierarchy may be declining. With the much-anticipated tour of England around the corner, there are reports that Sarfaraz Khan may be left out of the Test squad.
The PTI report reads: “Sarfaraz Khan’s skills against really fast bowling have always been questionable, but the manner in which he got out in the home Tests against New Zealand in Pune and Mumbai has the current team management wary. In most venues, Sarfaraz does not even come out to bat during regular net sessions, which shows that he is ranked quite low. “
India selectors eye impactful performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25 as Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer battle for Test spots
Meanwhile, India’s three experienced players who are likely to make a strong return to the Test squad are Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Although Gaikwad has struggled in the Indian A-League, his pedigree is unquestionable, while Patidar and Iyer also face challenges but can perform well in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy His performance proves his worth.
The Indian selection committee is reportedly looking for impactful performances, not just the number of runs or wickets, and will take a decision after the Ranji season ends in February. Besides, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are also vying for seats, especially with the futures of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.
Sudarsan, who is recovering from surgery, could emerge as a key contender if he maintains his form and fitness for the second round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. While there are options in the batting department, India face bigger problems in the bowling department, especially pace.
The fast bowling cupboard looks empty, with names like Mohammad Siraj and Prasidh Krishna yet to emerge like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami and Ishant Sharma became a game changer. On the other hand, left-arm seamers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.
Also read: Former India coach blames T20 World Cup win for Rohit Sharma’s dip in form







