India’s Test team is heading into a big challenge in England this June, but this time, it’ll be without two of its biggest names Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. With both senior batters unavailable, the batting order is expected to look very different from what fans are used to.
The selectors are not looking back at experienced players like Cheteshwar Pujara or Ajinkya Rahane. Instead, they want to focus on the future and give younger players a longer run. It’s a bold call, but not the first time India has done something like this.
During the 2013 tour of South Africa, India went in with a fresh middle order. That’s where Kohli and Rahane made their mark, so this time could be no different.
KL Rahul is expected to open the innings along with Yashasvi Jaiswal. Rahul has done well in England before and has played nine Tests there.
Shubman Gill, who has featured in three Tests in England, is likely to be part of the top order too. But the big question is where he will bat No. 3 or No. 4. With Kohli not there, the No. 4 spot is up for grabs.
If Gill stays at No. 3, then India will need someone new at No. 4 a spot that has been held in the past by legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli. Rajat Patidar was in the mix, but a hand injury has slowed his chances. Still, the selectors have not ruled him out.
Karun Nair is pushing for a return, thanks to good form in domestic cricket and the IPL. Shreyas Iyer is also in the race, although his recent Test form has been patchy. Dhruv Jurel is being looked at more as a middle-order player for the future and a backup wicketkeeper.
From the India A squad, players like Sarfaraz Khan and Abhimanyu Easwaran may get a close look. Sai Sudharsan is another young batter the selectors are watching. He could debut if the team finds the right slot for him. One option is to send him at No. 3 and move Gill down to No. 4. Another is to open with him alongside Rahul and Jaiswal, if Rahul shifts to the middle order.
Whatever the final XI, India will head to England with one of their most inexperienced batting units in years. But history has shown that tours like this often build the stars of tomorrow
