As India prepares for their next international assignment in England this June, the cricketing world is buzzing with excitement and anticipation. With the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy evenly poised at 1-1 and two Tests left, the spotlight has already started shifting to what the team composition might look like for the crucial away series. However, the transition from subcontinental pitches to English conditions requires a specific skill set, and not all players currently in the mix are suited to the task.
Here’s a look at five Indian players who, based on current form and suitability, should not make the trip to England.
- Virat Kohli: A Shadow of His Former Self
The name Virat Kohli is synonymous with greatness, but even legends have their slumps. While Kohli has shown glimpses of brilliance, his overall Test form this year leaves much to be desired. In nine matches, he has managed just one century and a single half-century. His performance in the ongoing series against Australia has been particularly underwhelming, with 126 runs in five innings. Notably, 100 of those runs came in the first Test, highlighting a stark inconsistency.
In English conditions, where the ball swings prodigiously, Kohli’s tendency to flirt with deliveries outside the off-stump could spell disaster. His struggles in the 2014 tour of England are a haunting reminder, and though he redeemed himself in 2018, his current form doesn’t inspire confidence. Perhaps a break could rejuvenate him for future challenges.
- Rohit Sharma: Time to Hand Over the Baton
Rohit Sharma’s captaincy has been commendable in home conditions, but his inability to translate that form into impactful performances overseas is a glaring issue. In the current Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit has amassed a mere 19 runs across two matches, underlining his struggles against quality bowling attacks in unfamiliar conditions.
Moreover, England’s swinging conditions are likely to expose Rohit’s vulnerability against the moving ball, as seen in previous tours. With Jasprit Bumrah set to return from injury, it might be time to pass the captaincy mantle to the fiery pacer, who has shown promise as a leader in limited opportunities. Rohit staying back could also allow younger talents to take center stage and gain invaluable experience in tough overseas conditions.
- Devdutt Padikkal: The Sai Sudharsan Conundrum
When Devdutt Padikkal was brought in as a replacement for Shubman Gill, many viewed it as an investment in potential. However, his performances haven’t justified the faith shown in him. While Padikkal is a technically sound batsman, his lack of exposure to the rigours of Test cricket and overseas challenges has been evident.
Enter Sai Sudharsan, a promising young talent with the temperament and technique to succeed in England. Sudharsan’s ability to adapt quickly and his stellar performances in domestic cricket make him a strong contender for the spot. It’s time for Padikkal to focus on honing his skills back home while allowing Sudharsan to seize the opportunity.
- Prasidh Krishna: Freeing Up Space for Potent Pacers
Prasidh Krishna has shown glimpses of his potential as a fast bowler, but England’s seaming tracks demand more than just raw pace. The Indian pace battery is brimming with talent, and players like Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, and a fit-again Jasprit Bumrah offer a more balanced attack for English conditions.
Prasidh’s inclusion in the squad could mean a bench role, which does little for his development or the team’s composition. Instead, India should focus on players who can make an immediate impact. Prasidh staying back would free up a valuable spot for someone who can contribute effectively in swinging conditions.
- Sarfaraz Khan: A Case of Mismanaged Opportunities
Sarfaraz Khan has been a standout performer in domestic cricket, amassing runs with remarkable consistency. However, his inability to find a place in the playing XI during the Australia series raises questions about his readiness for overseas tours. Sarfaraz’s lack of international exposure and the decision not to field him earlier in the year has put him in a tough spot.
England is no place for experimentation, and players must be well-prepared to tackle the challenges posed by the Dukes ball. While Sarfaraz has the talent, throwing him into the deep end in England might do more harm than good. A more measured approach, focusing on grooming him for future tours, would be a better course of action.
What’s at Stake for India?
The tour of England is more than just another bilateral series—it’s a chance for India to assert their dominance in away conditions and build momentum for future ICC events. The selection decisions leading up to the series will play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and young blood, the team must strike the right balance to succeed.
By leaving behind players who are either out of form or unsuited to the conditions, India can ensure a more competitive and cohesive unit takes the field. Tough decisions today could pave the way for long-term success.
Conclusion
Cricket is as much about strategy as it is about skill, and team selection plays a crucial role in achieving the desired results. While the players mentioned above have contributed significantly to Indian cricket in various ways, their inclusion in the squad for the England tour might not serve the team’s best interests at this juncture.
As the cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the squad announcement, one thing is clear: India’s success in England will hinge on picking the right players for the job. Whether the selectors make bold choices or stick to the tried-and-tested formula remains to be seen, but the road to June promises to be an exciting one for Indian cricket.