With the ODIs’ out of the way now, India will be starting their Test campaign in the Caribbean Islands. Not that it will be the toughest challenge for Team India, but none the less, it will be the start of their World Test Championship campaign.
So how does the line up look like. Young Prithvi Shaw, will be missing out this series, and with Mayank Agarwal performing the way he has, he looks settled to open the batting with KL Rahul. I do feel that India could have also looked at an optional opener along with Rahul. But, having said that, it will be a two match series only. Perhaps with India playing South Africa and Bangladesh at home, and Prithvi suspended till 15 November this year, for doping violation, we may see the likes of Vihari or Gill given the nod.
Subhman Gill in Ranji Cricket, so far – Source : ESPN Cricinfo.
Ok, let move on then, no.3 and no.4 in Test matches has possibly been India’s batting back bone for the last couple of years at least, if not more. Pujara and Virat, will look to plunder most of the runs, and thankfully this time will get some support from Mayank at the top of the order. Rahul as an opener has never inspired confidence in me. Subhman Gill may be young but it is difficult to not talk about a man who is presently holding a staggering batting average of 83+ in Ranji cricket. it is difficult to hold a talent like him back, if it is not criminal. Amongst the top 4 I dont see any change taking place, in this series at least. Although, I would love to see young Gill open the bat.
Ok, so what about no. 5, 6? Two very critical positions, which probably is the most open position currently, in this Team. We need a solid number 5 currently, and there are good pedegry options available. Rahane, Rohit or Vihari.. I feel Rahane has been a superb player for India without getting much credit for what he has done. Whenever there has been a crisis moment, he has turned out to be the SOS man for India. I love watching Rohit bat, and there is a reason why I used the word pedegry. In white ball cricket this year, he has played like the only person who can be more devastating yet consistent than Kohli. No other batsman has come close to his clean hitting, except perhaps Ross Taylor for the last two to three years, and Mr. Kohli. Now interestingly, although Rohit has had a great year of white ball cricket, he may still not make the cut to the playing 11. Emotions kept aside, I love Rohit Sharma bat, but i dont know how effective he would be at no 5, playing either spinners with the old ball or seamers with the second new ball. I feel that a number five in Test matches should have a technique that matches that of an opening batsman, and yet should have the ability to play with the tail and occupy a lot of overs. This is where i feel Vihari could be a good pick. Also, he is handy off spinner and can fill in a few overs of off spin. Vihari definately is india’s future 5 or 6. but at present i think i will still go with Rahane. He is class player.
No. 6 should see Pant coming in. Perhaps, India might bring in Saha for the SA tour of India. Although, I believe Saha is the world’s best wicket keeper at present, but Pant being a left hander and perhaps a more established batsman may get a nod before. I will be genuinely happy to see Saha done the gloves, and see a good keeper manning behind the stumps, rather than Pant mismanaging his takes behind the stumps, as a result of bad technique with the gloves. He is entertaining with his banter though. Saha is all class with the gloves, but with age now not on his side, he may well have to sit out. If he does, it will be unfortunate.
Moving on to the bowlers, all-rounders. India has in Ashwin and Jadeja, two quality spinners and two genuine all rounders in Test match cricket. Hardik Pandya is good, and perhaps is India’s second best seamer allrounder post Kapil Dev. I am no way comparing him with Kapil Dev. But is true that there does not appear to be any other promising allrounder as a seamer, in India. In fact there has been Manoj Prabhakar, and all I am saying is that Hardik Pandya may just be a notch better than Prabhakar. On his day, Hardik can create hovoc with the bat and likewise he is starting to bowl more like a bowler these days, which is refreshing to see. However, if India need two quality spin options, which looks like the case, there is no replacing Ashwin, Jaddu. So, Jaddu at 7 and Ashwin at 8. I am ok with the other way around as well. But would like to see Jaddu bat before Ashwin.
Facts and Trivia- Did you know in Ranji cricket, Jaddu averages 46+ with 3 triple centuries and is just 0.5 runs less per match than what KL Rahul scores, who averages 47. you can read my article on Jadeja and share your views with me. Jadeja, for me is the batsmen we have yet unleashed in International cricket.
So that leaves us with three spots, 9,10 and 11. With the last three spots, we come to the most secured slots in the line up in away tours. Ishant, Shami, Bumrah (ISB). The three have transformed not just India’s bowling department, but also Indian cricket as a whole. This is the first time ever when the bowling has overshadowed the batting. In present day cricket the trio is perhaps the best in the world of fast bowling and add Ashwin and Juddu to the mix, it is a leathal force that West Indies need to face come 22nd August.
Ok then. So here is a look at my best eleven:
1 Mayank Agarwal; 2 KL Rahul; 3 Pujara; 4 Kohli; 5 Rahane; 6 Pant; 7 Jadeja; 8 Ashwin; 9 Ishant; 10 Shami; 11 Bumrah
Let me know if you agree, or share your best combination
The Twelfth Man 