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England embarked on their tour of India in January with ambitious goals, aiming to achieve what no team had accomplished in almost 12 year, defeating India in a Test series on their home turf. The journey began with a promising start for the visitors, clinching a narrow 28-run victory in Hyderabad. Stellar performances by Ollie Pope and Tom Hartley set the tone for England’s aspirations.
The momentum shifts: India’s dominance
However, the tide quickly turned in favor of India as they mounted a strong comeback. Registering victories in Visakhapatnam and a monumental 434-run triumph in Rajkot, the hosts showcased their dominance. The turning point came in the fourth Test in Ranchi, where India sealed the series victory. Dhruv Jurel and Shubman Gill played pivotal roles, guiding India to a challenging fourth-innings chase of 192 and solidifying their dominance in the series.
The upcoming fifth Test in Dharamsala
The fifth Test in Dharamsala, though a dead rubber in terms of the series outcome, still carries significance. Points in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 are at stake for both sides, ensuring that neither team will take the final Test lightly. Despite the series outcome being decided, the teams will be eager to secure crucial points in the ongoing championship, adding an extra layer of competitiveness to the closing encounter.
Also READ: IND vs ENG: Michael Vaughan suggest one key change in England’s playing XI for the Dharamsala Test
India’s top-choice playing XI for the Dharamsala Test against England:
1. Yashasvi Jaiswal
Yashasvi Jaiswal has emerged as the star of the series, showcasing remarkable form with a total of 655 runs across four games. His aggressive batting style from the outset has left opposition bowlers struggling to find a foothold. Notably, Jaiswal’s innings included two match-winning double centuries, underlining his dominance in the series.
2. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, has had a mixed series, accumulating 297 runs in eight innings. His standout performance came in Rajkot, where he played a crucial role, smashing 153 runs for his side. Despite inconsistencies with the bat, Rohit’s tactical brilliance on the field has compensated for any shortcomings.
3. Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill faced a challenging start to the series but quickly turned the tide with match-winning contributions. Notable among them was his second-inning sturdiness in the Vizag Test and a pivotal knock of 91 in Ranchi. Gill’s resilient 52 in the fourth Test at Ranchi played a defining role in leading his team to victory.
4. Devdutt Padikkal
Devdutt Padikkal might find a place at No. 4, replacing the out-of-form Rajat Patidar. Being a left-hander, Padikkal brings a valuable advantage to the side. His potential inclusion is an attempt to convert his domestic performances into success at the international level.
5. Sarfaraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan made a strong impact in his debut Test, scoring two consecutive half-centuries. Nevertheless, he faced a speed bump in the subsequent Test with low scores of 14 and zero. As a naturally attacking batter, Sarfaraz will aim to recapture lost momentum in the upcoming Dharamsala Test.
6. Dhruv Jurel
Jurel has been the talk of the town since the fourth Test in Ranchi. Making his presence felt in his debut game there, Jurel displayed a strong temperament. His crucial innings of 91 in the first innings helped prevent a collapse, and he played a pivotal role in guiding the team to victory in the second innings alongside Gill.
7. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja started the series on a high note, scoring a century in the first Test in Hyderabad. Despite missing the second game due to injury, Jadeja’s bowling performance has been consistently top-notch. With 17 wickets in four games, he stands as the second-highest wicket-taker for India with an average of 25.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin showcased his all-round prowess, especially in the Ranchi Test. Although his batting started slowly, he made a strong comeback, picking up a fifer and proving once again why he is considered one of the greatest match-winners in home conditions.
9. Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah, the champion bowler, has proven that he excels regardless of conditions or pitch types. With an outstanding performance of 17 wickets in just three games, Bumrah’s reverse swing bowling has been relentless and has consistently troubled the opposition.
10. Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj may not have had exceptional performances until the Ranchi game, but he turned the tide in favor of his side with a Test-defining 4-wicket spell. His crucial contribution dismantled England’s intention to take a first-innings lead.
11. Akash Deep
The inspiring debutant Akash Deep, who made his debut in the previous game, played a pivotal role by dismantling England’s top order on the first day. With conditions in Dharamsala expected to be favourable for pace bowlers, Akash Deep will look to exploit them and continue his match-winning form.
