New Delhi, Jan 2 (NationPress) A significant concern for the Indian cricket team during their current tour of Australia has been the consistent alterations in their playing eleven throughout the matches.
Whether it involves changing the batting order or including an excess of all-rounders in the team, resulting in an increased burden on primary bowlers and the challenge of taking 20 wickets, the composition of India's playing eleven has become a topic of intense debate.
Salil Ankola, a former member of the Indian men's team selection committee, argues that one cannot rely on a cushion for batting order in Test matches, as this format is better suited for specialist players.
“There are distinct formats in cricket – Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. There’s an English saying, horses for courses. When assembling a Test team, it is crucial to have specialists – bowlers who can secure wickets and batters who can score runs,” he explained.
“Continuously selecting players with the hope of creating a cushion for batting is misguided. The team requires individuals whose primary roles are to score runs and take wickets.”
“The selection for the last match was surprising. With Jadeja, Washington Sundar, and Nitish Reddy all in the squad, it appeared as though the composition was aimed solely at providing a cushion for the batting, ensuring some runs could be obtained.”
“We need to reevaluate our strategy and identify where we might be faltering. Nowadays, we have ample data available to aid our decision-making. With data analytics, social media, and live broadcasts, everyone can observe what is happening in real-time.”
“Attempting to create a cushion is ineffective, especially in Test cricket. In ODIs, we may require all-rounders, and in T20s, they are even more vital,” Ankola stated during an exclusive interview with IANS.
Aside from Reddy, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the majority of the Indian batting lineup has struggled to accumulate runs, a trend noted by Ankola. “We require batters to support the bowlers with runs; otherwise, success is unattainable. Yashasvi has managed to score in the 80s in both innings.”
“However, he did not receive adequate backing, while Reddy, a newcomer, scored a hundred and is primarily a batting all-rounder, not known for his bowling. Depending on him for significant bowling contributions is unrealistic. He has shown he can deliver breakthroughs in one or two Tests.”
“But he isn’t a express pace bowler, clocking only about 125-127 km/h. He’s an excellent fielder, and his century in Melbourne was remarkable. However, his batting position needs reconsideration; sending him in at number seven is illogical. The entire team composition is crucial for success in Sydney.”
Advocating for players like Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel to be included, Ankola expressed hope that Indian batters would avoid making rash shots in the upcoming Sydney Test, set to commence on Friday. “It’s high time we give Sarfaraz and Dhruv a chance. Dhruv has excelled under pressure, and Sarfaraz has scored 150 yet has not been selected for matches.”
“Whenever Yashasvi fails to score, the batting order collapses. We were fortunate that KL Rahul benefited from a few dropped catches. Players keep repeating the same mistakes regarding shot selection.”
“We have skilled coaches like Gautam, Abhishek Nayar, and Morne Morkel. The bowlers are performing admirably, but the batters must deliver runs. If runs are absent, what can the bowlers achieve? VK (Virat Kohli) must improve, having only scored one century. I admire his batting style. Let’s remain optimistic and hope for a return to cricketing fundamentals.”
Ankola believes India needs additional fast bowlers to support Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. “During the India A tour in Australia, Mukesh Kumar was the highest wicket-taker with 11 wickets. It was surprising that he was not included, while Prasidh Krishna, with 10 wickets, remains on the sidelines.”
Ankola, who has represented India in one Test and 20 ODIs, expressed frustration over India’s prospects for qualifying for next year’s World Test Championship final, particularly after their 3-0 defeat to New Zealand – a historic clean sweep at home.
“After a long time, we are engaged in a five-Test series, which is challenging for the players. Who wouldn’t want India to qualify for the WTC? However, if our success relies on our own victories while depending on Australia’s losses against Sri Lanka, that is not a viable approach.”
“The most disappointing aspect was losing a series to New Zealand, as this is unprecedented – a touring team coming to India and winning in Tests. Sydney will test our players' mental resilience, as the Australians will undoubtedly be aggressive in the upcoming match.”
“I was hoping Mitchell Starc would be unavailable due to a back issue he experienced during the second innings in Melbourne. However, he is playing, and the situation will be challenging if we fail to score.”
With India trailing 2-1 in the series and underwhelming performances, concerns about the team’s transition and unrest within the dressing room have also surfaced, underscoring the urgent need for Indian cricket to overcome its current challenges.
“We are all disheartened by the way we are losing. We previously triumphed in Australia during our last visit, under Ajinkya’s captaincy. We are capable of achieving success; however, something needs to change. Players must buckle down and accumulate runs.”
“Every team experiences a rough patch and a transformation. Currently, we are undergoing such a phase. With Ashwin no longer part of the team, we need to identify who will take his place. We have capable candidates.”
“However, the dynamics within the dressing room remain a separate issue. Discussions should not leak outside, nor should they be publicly debated. I’m not suggesting anything inappropriate is occurring; I simply hope we can break free from this rut.”
