India continued their winning streak at home by defeating Bangladesh convincingly in the one-off Test. This Test match offered plenty of match practice for Kohli’s men and helped in boosting their confidence before their important series against Australia at home.
Almost everyone in batting order got runs while pacers did have their share of glory. However, the Indian captain does have some areas of concern to think about in the build-up to the series against the Aussies.
We look at the five potential areas where Kohli and Indian think tank will have to ponder about.
#1 Backup for opening pair
India have decided on sustaining with Murali Vijay and KL Rahul as their 1st choice opening pair. With both these batsman scoring hundreds in past few matches, they deserve to get an extended run. However, what about the backup for them?
Vijay and Rahul have both had injuries in the recent past and hence, Indian must have a backup ready for the opening slot.
For the Test match against Bangladesh, India went with Abhinav Mukund, but it was quite certain that he was there to warm benches. Thanks to his tremendous performance in domestic season, Mukund could be a contender for the 3rd opener’s slot.
But then what about Shikhar Dhawan? Will he get a chance to make a comeback? And where does all this leave Gautam Gambhir with? Is the Indian management done with Gambhir?
Certainly, Kohli and Kumble do have the problem of plenty in this discussion.
#2 What does the future hold for Karun Nair in the Indian Test team?
Karun Nair will be asking himself what else he has to do, to get a place in Indian team? The Karnataka batsman has an impressive first-class record and then scored 300 against England in Chennai. Even after scoring a triple hundred, Nair isn’t assured of a spot in the Test playing XI.
Kohli and the team management have to fit Nair somewhere in the side and have to ensure that he feels wanted and that his confidence levels don’t drop. Of course, this is easier said than done. The middle order is settled and Ajinkya Rahane has once again proved his worth by scoring runs against Bangladesh.
Nair at some point deserves a game, but whom he replaces is the tougher task.
#3 Pace bowling combination
Going with three seamers in the game against Bangladesh raised some eyebrows but India’s performance justified the move. However, against Australia, India will most likely go back to the three spinner formula. If this is the case, then who will face the axe?
Umesh Yadav looked settled in both innings against Bangladesh and Ishant Sharma was impressive with his reverse swing on the 5th day. This leaves Bhuvaneshswar Kumar the vulnerable party; he might be the scapegoat when India prefers spin over pace.
But when conditions offer swing, Kumar becomes India’s most potent weapon. Mohammad Shami is still out due to injuries, but when he returns, he will be India’s 1st choice in the pace department.
It looks as though the Indian management will go with the ‘horses for courses’ approach, as they have done in the past. Depending on the conditions, India will decide on their bowling pair.
#4 Third spinner
The pair of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, at present, look good enough to rattle any batting line up in the world. Even then, India have persisted with playing the 3rd spinner as cover for the duo and it does help the side while pushing for victory.
Jayant Yadav did little wrong against England, so he is a strong contender for this slot, and his century further strengthens his case. Amit Mishra bowls excellently in limited overs and has emerged as match winner, but has failed to capitalise on his chances in Test matches.
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s cover for Mishra and it is highly unlikely that he will debut against Australia, but Yadav could be used as an ‘element of surprise’ against the Aussies, who have looked fragile against spin.
#5 Tacking reverse swing
Tests in India are dominated by talk of spin but one crucial factor which often goes unnoticed is reverse swing. In the last few years, Indian bowlers have reaped heavy rewards by reversing the old or semi-new ball.
So far, few visiting teams showed the intent and skill to use reverse swing as a potent weapon.
Australia could be a different proposition as their strike pace bowlers, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazelwood, have the ability to use reverse swing. Kohli and his men must be prepared for this challenge but the Indian batsmen have shown great patience against the ball reversing and should be able to handle the moving ball.
India surely has the upper hand against Australia in this Test series. By answering these above questions, India will only enhance their dominance.
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