In no uncertain terms, India’s Test skipper Rohit Sharma welcomed the new addition to the batting lineup. “Indian cricket desperately needed a left-hander, and we found one.” “It appears to be very promising.” and Axar Patel. However, a third is on his way, preparing to debut as an opener.
According to India’s skipper, Yashasvi Jaiswal will also make his Test debut as an opener.
Rishabh Pant, India’s left-hander, was a standout in their lineup. Despite not playing cricket since December 2022, when he was wounded in a vehicle accident, he is still their best Test run-getter over the last three years. This batting has yet to include the variation he provided ever since.
With Pant unavailable, India has only used two left-handers in Test matches: Ravindra Jadeja. In first-class cricket, Yashasvi Jaiswal averages 80. In 15 games, he has nine centuries. While it is an entirely different format, his performances in the IPL demonstrated his ability to handle all types of bowling, from tremendous pace to mystery spin.
Jaiswal’s entrance has also had a positive ripple effect on one of India’s other key players. “Shubman Gill will play at No. 3 because he wants to play at three,” Rohit explained. “He told [coach] Rahul [Dravid] bhai that he has played all of his cricket at No. 3 and No. 4 and that he can contribute more to the team at No. 3.” It also benefits us because it forms a left-right opening combination.
It is what we’re trying, and maybe it will be a long-term solution since we’ve been desperate for a left-hander. We have that left-hander in Jaiswal, so let’s hope he does well for the squad and can genuinely claim that slot.”
When the Indian Test squad for the two-match West Indies tour was announced, there were many queries over Sarfaraz Khan’s absence. The Mumbai hitter has been lighting up the Ranji Trophy over the previous two or three years, but he has yet to be called to the team. Unprompted, Rohit spoke about those who had lost out and encouraged them to keep their faith.
“There are a couple of men who didn’t make it. Unfortunately, you can only select 15-16 players for your squad. However, everyone’s turn will come. That’s all I have to say.”
Rohit defends the bowling attack’s composition on tour.
The absence of experience among the fast bowlers is another element of the squad; they have 88 wickets, with Mohammed Siraj accounting for 52. While Rohit stated that he had complete faith in the chosen group, he also said that circumstances like these may become more regular.
“Because we play a lot of cricket in India, we have to manage our players, rotate them, and give them enough breaks.” We want them to be as fresh as possible when they return. We must be cautious about the upcoming competitions; there will be a World Cup, which we must also bear in mind. We don’t have the luxury of focusing solely on one series; we must also look ahead.
We must determine which player is required where. That’s why we’ve got to rotate players and bring in new ones. In some ways, it is also good because it gives others a chance.
“We need to build our bench strength because you can’t stay with one team for years.” You have to build bench strength and bring in the players who are working hard so that they may get an opportunity.
We can also see how well they handle pressure on the international stage and how they perform at their best.
“I have a lot of faith in the new bowlers.” Jaydev Unadkat is not a newcomer to domestic cricket; he has been playing for 10-12 years. Mukesh Kumar has been a reliable performer in domestic cricket. He has performed admirably for his state, in zonal games, and for India A. He’s been given an opportunity, and we’ll see what combination we have.”
‘This team will compete for titles.’
Rohit was confronted with why India could not win the Test championship despite reaching the finals both times it was played. In frustration, he intimated that India would not have their strongest team to play within 2023. Jasprit Bumrah (back) and Pant (knee) were injured and unable to play.
“First and foremost, I want everyone to be available. I want all of my players who are there to be 100% functional. I don’t want any kind of injury. The second point is that we haven’t crossed the line in a long time, but if we keep ticking the boxes, playing good cricket, and doing the right things, everything will fall into place. We’ve done a lot of good throughout the years. You sometimes want luck on your side. We’ve played steady cricket for the last five or six years. We’ve most likely won everywhere. But, yes, championships are more significant. But we’ll be fighting hard till we win the tournament.
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