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The cricketing world is abuzz with anticipation as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce the Indian squad for the remaining Tests against England. Notably, the five-match series currently stands levelled with both sides winning a game each.
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul likely to return
As the selection process draws near, there is a high possibility of the return of India’s seasoned batters Virat Kohli and KL Rahul to the India squad. It is worth mentioning Kohli chose to sit out the first two games for personal reasons, while Rahul was sidelined from the second match due to injury despite a decent performance in the opening clash.
Pragyan Ojha’s projection: Who makes way for Kohli and Rahul?
Although the looming return of the formidable Indian duo has injected a new sense of vigour into the team and fans, their comeback also raises questions about who will make way for these proven performers. Former Indian spinner and current member of the Jio Cinema broadcasting panel, Pragyan Ojha, recently shared his insights on the same and named the two Indian batters who could make way for Kohli and Rahul.
Speaking to Colors Cineplex, Ojha candidly named Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar as the likely candidates to be dropped from the Indian squad. Ojha highlighted the need for impact performances, stating that the two batters couldn’t quite seize the opportunities presented to them.
“Shreyas Iyer was left slightly behind. When you talk about great batters like Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul have also scored runs, when they return, they will automatically be part of the XI. So probably Shreyas Iyer and Rajat Patidar will have to make way because the situation is like that,” said Ojha.
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Pragyan’s suggestion
The veteran cricketer further emphasized the challenge faced by the players in the current scenario. Ojha suggested that with the imminent return of established batters, there is limited room for experimentation and also advised Iyer and Patidar to prove their worth at the domestic level to stake their claim for a spot in the national team.
“It’s not that you don’t want to give opportunities but when great batters are coming and you don’t have that much room, you cannot give them the cushion. So go back and score runs in domestic cricket,” the former India spinner added.
Iyer, a part of the Indian team for both opening Tests against England, has shown promise but struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. Similarly, Patidar, making his Test debut in the second game, faced a similar fate as he couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity.
