India will square off against West Indies for a full-fledged series starting August 3. After three T20Is and the same number of ODIs, there is a two-match Test series on offer. After an exit from the semi-final of the ICC World Cup 2019, the BCCI has been pretty focused as it took no chance in sending a second-string team. Importantly, Virat Kohli is set to lead all the three teams.
India, who are number one ranked side in Test cricket, have all the regulars in the side. The only notable absentee is all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been rested for the entire tour. Veteran Indian wicket-keeper Wriddhiman Saha returns to the side.
Many must be wondering why teenager Prithvi Shaw has been missing from the squad. The BCCI confirmed that the player is sidelined with an injury. So his wait to return to the side continues.
“Shaw was not considered for selection because he has not recovered from a hip injury. It’s unclear when he’ll be available,” chairman of selectors MSK Prasad told the media.
India’s squad for 2 Tests: Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (VC), Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, C Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK) Wriddhiman Saha (WK), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 21, 2019
India go into the two-match series as the favourites. The last time they played against the West Indies was in 2018. India walloped them at home and sealed the series 2-0. Both matches were won inside three days. One expects to see a lot of heart from this Windies side, who showed remarkable improvement against England when they visited the Carribean earlier this year.
But it will take a mighty task in stopping the Indian cricket team, who under Kohli would want to be ruthless. Now the Test series is under the World Test Championship which is set to run from 2019-21. The Ashes starting on August 1, starts the proceedings of the same.
Here we do a SWOT analysis of India’s Test squad against West Indies to start from August 22.
Major strengths of this Indian Test Cricket Side
India have a strong batting unit on offer and there are plenty of options in the mix. Rohit Sharma has retained his place. He last featured in the Melbourne Test against Australia in December 2018. Opener Mayank Agarwal will look to continue from where he left off in Australia. In a short Test career, he has already shown plenty of solidity and strengths. His presence lifts the top order.
Then there is Cheteshwar Pujara, who ruled the previous Test series in Australia, The dependent number three batsman will hold the fort for India. Pujara doesn’t boast of a proper show here in West Indies. In three Test matches, he 31.00 with a best of 46. But, he has worked his way and there is a lot of flair to be seen in technicalities. So one expects him to do well.
Skipper Kohli is the side’s main threat as usual. He will look to dominate the show like usual. It has become a habit for him to score aplenty in Vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit, Hanuma Vihari are all in there and there is depth.
India will look to dominate with the spin show, It remains to be seen what the team combination is. R Ashwin has bowled well in the recent County games for Nottinghamshire. That will serve him confidence. India could be tempted to go with three pacers and that’s the major strength for this side. Last year the trio of Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami were terrific. Each contributed to wickets aplenty that helped India gain supreme status.
Are there any weaknesses?
KL Rahul is a concern, especially in the longer format. He had a fantastic World Cup recently, but Test cricket is a different ball game. He has been under tremendous pressure in Test cricket and there are plenty of technical flaws seen in his approach. In his last five Tests, his scores read 0, DNB, 4, 33*, 2, 44, 2, 0, 9 and DNB. These are horrible numbers for a Test opener.
With Shaw injured, Rahul was hence chosen on this side. The management still backs him and will hope that he can transform his white-ball form into the longer format. Rahul was disappointing in the entirety of 2018. He lost his place in the side as Mayank was drafted in. Rahul cannot afford to lapse here. Another failure will perhaps force the hands of the management.
Besides Rahul, there is no other weakness in this team.
What are the opportunities?
India will need to perform well keeping in mind that it is the Test Championship. So every match won will be a bonus. Also, the margin of wins will be crucial in terms of points and sustainability, Another opportunity that is presented is in the form of the wicket-keeping situation.
India recalled veteran Wriddhiman Saha back, who was injured for a long time. With Saha in, the management should give him a chance to play ahead of Rishabh Pant. The Bengal star is a better keeper and there is no point in him hanging around if he doesn’t get game time. Given his age, Saha will not be here for long, therefore, India should utilise his experience.
Pant is undoubtedly India’s number one at the moment. But he is young and has the whole future ahead of him. So playing Saha is a better option. Calling a senior pro and keeping him on the bench will not serve purpose.
Also, there is a chance for Rohit to cement his place in the Test team. The ODI and T20I stalwart never quite got his Test career running. But this is a chance for him to show his mettle and force Kohli to include him in the playing XI.
India’s predicted starting XI:
Mayank, Rahul, Pujara, Kohli (c), Rahane, Rohit, Saha (wk), Ashwin, Ishant, Shami and Bumrah.