Our Bureau
New Delhi
India’s tour of England that starts on 20th June is being termed as the beginning of a new era of the Indian Test Cricket Team. The buzz around the selection of the new Indian Test captain has been all over the internet and now seems certain news that Shubman Gill is leading the race in being named as the future captain. Barring the captain’s choice, the Indian squad is not expected to be tinkled much.
Despite Bumrah being named the captain in the last tour in the absence of Rohit Sharma, selectors might be looking ahead of him due to the fitness concerns surrounding their ace pacer. Rishabh Pant who has been going through a rough patch leading the Lucknow Super Giants is most probably selectors choice to be named the vice-captain of the Indian team.
There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that after Rohit Sharma’s retirement the opening slot next to Yashashvi Jaiswal will be given to KL Rahul. Rahul has been the trouble solver for the Indian team for years now. He has batted at almost every position in the top 6 and now with a place vacant for at the opening spot, Rahul is the most definite choice India has. Him and Jaiswal have already opened for India together and showed a lot of promise in England.
With Kohli’s retirement, the number 4 spot is now up for grabs and Gill will be the one moving down the order to take his place at that spot. But that will leave the no.3 spot available for other batters. It is rumoured that Sai Sudarshan, who is having a stellar season with the bat for the Gujarat Titans, is the most likely candidate to take up the spot.
There’s one other concern regarding the Indian Test side, the pace attack. Jasprit Bumrah will be leading the pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj but the return of Mohammed Shami is a bit in doubt considering his fitness and aging body. Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Harshit Rana would be some other names in contention. Arshdeep Singh who has been India’s premier fast bowler in the limited overs format might also receive a call up, considering his outstanding performances.
There are reports that suggest that the Indian squad will be announced on Saturday. Ajit Agarkar will be heading a press conference in which he will announce the next captain of the Indian Test Team.
