3 months ago
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The BCCI selectors have a tough job on their hands, to find a replacement for Virat Kohli in the Indian Test team. There will be a day when India will have to look for a permanent replacement for Kohli, but for now, the star batter is not available for the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons.
It was announced on Monday that Kohli had to opt out of the first two Tests. “Virat has spoken to Captain Rohit Sharma, the team management and the selectors and has emphasized that while representing the country has always been his top priority, certain personal situations demand his presence and undivided attention,” BCCI said in a statement.
“The BCCI respects his decision and the Board and team management has extended its support to the star batter and is confident in the abilities of the remaining squad members to step up and deliver commendable performances in the Test series.”
India are a different beast at home and have not lost a Test series in their own backyard since 2012, but the last series defeat at home came against England. The current England team is also a very confident unit under coach Brandon McCullum and is known for their aggressive Bazball style of play.
Kohli’s absence in such a context puts a dent in India’s chances regardless of them still being favourites at home. And that’s why the selectors have a tough job selecting who can replace the former India captain at No 4 (or in the lineup) where he has played multiple match-winning innings and has emerged as the saviour far too many times.
The options are:
Cheteshwar Pujara
Just last Sunday, Pujara became the fourth Indian batter to score 20,000 runs or more in first-class cricket. Pujara has been in top form having scored 243 not out against Jharkhand in Ranji Trophy recently. He also brings a wealth of experience and proven qualities. However, with Shubman Gill in the squad, Pujara may not get to play at his preferred No. 3 slot if he is picked for the India squad. The big question, however, is whether are selectors willing to go back to a batter who seemed like had been put out of the squad or if will they look to blood in a future star.
Sarfaraz Khan
Talking about future stars. It’s the perfect opportunity to give Mumbai batter Sarfaraz a maiden call-up. With 982 runs in the 2021-22 Ranji season and 556 runs in the following season, Sarfaraz has done everything possible to get a call-up that has so far eluded him. he recently scored 96 and 55 against the England Lions and is in top form. The Mumbaikar, however, is seen as someone weak against pace and bounce and this can go against him.
Sarfaraz Khan celebrates his century in Ranji Trophy match against Delhi in 202/23 season. PTIRajat Patidar
As per reports, Rajat is set to be Kohli’s replacement because of the knocks of 111 and 151 against the England Lions recently. The big runs came batting at the No. 3 position and put him in the driver’s seat. With 4000 runs in 55 first-class matches at an average of 45.97, the 30-year-old Madhya Pradesh batter has decent stats to back his case.
Rinku Singh
One of the reasons for Rinku’s name being taken in this discussion is the fact that he was on Tuesday added to India A squad for the second four-day match against England Lions. Rinku has been doing well for India in T20Is and is in top form. Also, in 44 first-class matches, he has scored 3109 runs at an average of 57.57, including seven centuries and 20 fifties.
How India will line up in Kohli’s absence?
With Kohli missing, there’s a chance Shreyas Iyer will move up a slot to No. 4 and also KL Rahul. KS Bharat the wicket-keeper or Dhruv Jurel could come in at No. 6 followed by Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin and three pacers or one more spinner and two pacers.
Whoever comes in as replacement for Kohli in the squad, may not get a chance to bat. Unless India decide to ask Rahul to keep and strengthen their batting.
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