3 Things India Must Do To Win Overseas

"So near yet so far", No matter how cliche or heartbreaking it may sound but it has been the case for Indian men's cricket team in recent times more often than not. People and experts have all discussed the problem of batsmen struggling against the moving ball or the over-reliance of the team on a certain guy, going by the name of Virat Kohli.

Albeit, it is heartening to see the fight put on by the team, but here are the few things the Indian team may consider to start getting over the line.

#1 Getting the combination right

England v India: Specsavers 1st Test - Day Four

One of the biggest problems for the Indian team is getting the team combination right. For long, India have searched for a fast bowling all-rounder and when one is actually found, they have tried making a place in the eleven for him anyhow, even if it means the balance of the team is disturbed.

Hardik Pandya bowled 10 overs for 46 runs in the first innings and none in the second and scored 53 runs in the entire match highlighting the fact that he is neither fully utilized as a bowler nor as a batsman. Considering India's batting troubles, an extra batsman in Rishabh Pant, selected on the back of some superlative performances for India A, can help massively.

Also, persisting with Shikhar Dhawan in the opening slot whose average of 19.21 in countries like England & South Africa where the ball moves around is affecting the combination. KL Rahul has been more successful opening rather than any other slot and Cheteshwar Pujara can come back to the side with this one change.

Probable XI: KL Rahul, M Vijay, C Pujara, V Kohli (c), A Rahane, R Pant, D Karthik, R Ashwin, I Sharma, U Yadav, M Shami

#2 Murali Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane need to step up

Test of Character awaits the two

During India's previous tours outside the sub-continent Murali, Vijay and Ajinkya Rahane were India's best batsmen, however, this certainly has not been the case recently. Vijay got the name as Monk due to his ability to concentrate for long periods, seeing off the new ball and attacking the old ball. However, he has now started getting impatient, getting out poking at deliveries he was leaving on previous tours.

Similarly, Rahane, who was the most assured middle order batsman during India's previous tours outside the sub-continent, has come short on confidence, not being assured of his place in the starting XI. He has not been able to strike a balance between when to attack and when to defend, a quality he is known for.

For India to succeed overseas, these two players will have to step up and play the way they did previously, or else, Virat Kohli won't be able to get Indian team over the line all alone.

#3 Improve slip catching

Shoddy Slip Catching

Since the retirement of players like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Virender Sehwag, India have just not been able to replace them. But the concern is that the Indian team does not miss them for their batting but for slip catching. "Catches win matches", a phrase all cricket fans have heard millions of time has held true even in the recently concluded match which India lost by a mere 31 runs.

As many as 3 catches were dropped in the slip cordon resulting in 86 extra runs which made a huge difference on the match's result. Slip catching is the most crucial part of Test cricket and any team aiming to win consistently home and away, need to be at top of their game while fielding in the slips along with the other departments i.e. batting and bowling.