India cricketers during a practice session in Visakhapatnam. (ANI Photo)
After a setback in the series opener, India is grappling with the absence of key players for the Visakhapatnam Test. The team will be without its star batter, KL Rahul, and one of the formidable match-winners at home, Ravindra Jadeja, both sidelined due to injuries. As the second Test looms on Friday, the challenge for India is not just the formidable English side but also finding the right balance in their playing XI.
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Excitement Over Sarfaraz’s Maiden Test Call-Up: A Replacement Conundrum
The buzz in Indian cricket circles revolves around Sarfaraz Khan’s first-ever call-up to the Test team, announced as a replacement for the injured KL Rahul ahead of the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam.
Unveiling the New No. 4: Shreyas Iyer Emerges as a Front-Runner
Amidst the shuffle in India’s batting lineup, it appears that Shreyas Iyer is the probable choice for the crucial No. 4 position. However, his performance in the second innings of the recent match did not quite live up to expectations, echoing the struggles of the entire Indian batting unit.
Struggles in the Second Innings: Collective Batting Woes
As the possibility of defeat loomed, the Indian batters faced heightened pressure in the second innings, losing their earlier aggression that had unsettled England’s spinners in the initial play. The lackluster performance raises questions about India’s middle order and the urgent need for a reliable No. 4.
Debut Dilemma
Credit: PTI
While the young talent Sarfaraz Khan is set for his debut, the presence of Rajat Patidar adds a layer of uncertainty. Patidar, initially called up as a replacement for Virat Kohli, remained on the bench in the first Test with Rahul taking Kohli’s No. 4 position. Now, with Rahul ruled out, the intriguing battle for the slot unfolds between Sarfaraz and Patidar.
AB de Villiers’ Excitement Over Sarfaraz’s Inclusion
Former South African captain AB de Villiers, who shared the field with both players at Royal Challengers Bangalore, expresses his excitement over Sarfaraz’s inclusion. De Villiers highlights Sarfaraz’s extraordinary first-class record, citing his impressive 3912 runs at an average of 69.85, with 14 hundred and 11 fifties in 66 innings.
Sarfaraz’s Journey: IPL Setback to Domestic Triumph
Sarfaraz Khan’s cricket journey saw a challenging phase after a promising start in the IPL. Struggling to establish himself, he briefly moved to Uttar Pradesh before returning to Mumbai, where he made a stunning comeback in the 2019-20 Ranji Trophy season. His remarkable form included a remarkable 928 runs at an average of 154.66, featuring three substantial knocks—301, 226, and 177.
De Villiers’ Perspective: A Big Jump to International Cricket
De Villiers acknowledges the significant leap from domestic to international cricket, especially against a formidable opponent like England. Despite acknowledging Patidar’s good form, he expresses hope that Sarfaraz gets the opportunity on the grand stage.
The Spin Conundrum: Kuldeep Yadav Leads the Race to Replace Jadeja
With Ravindra Jadeja ruled out due to injury, India faces the challenge of finding a suitable replacement in the spin department. Kuldeep Yadav emerges as the frontrunner, backed by his impressive record of three five-fors in eight Tests and consistent performances in limited-overs cricket. Known for his accuracy and wrist spin X-factor, Kuldeep becomes a compelling option, especially after being overlooked in the previous match in favor of Axar Patel.
Batting Depth Dilemma: Rajat Patidar vs. Sarfaraz Khan
The absence of key players, including KL Rahul, prompts a reshuffling of the batting lineup, and the spotlight is on the competition between Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan. Patidar, already part of the squad as Virat Kohli’s replacement, brings a big-match temperament, while Sarfaraz, on the verge of his international debut, is known for quick scoring. The decision between the two may hinge on India’s strategy: opting for batting depth or reinforcing the bowling attack. The choice may also involve considering if Kuldeep Yadav replaces Jadeja, leading to a potential adjustment in the balance between batting and bowling, with implications for the fifth bowler spot.
Akash Chopra on Sarfraz Khan
Sarfaraz Khan might make his Test debut in Vizag. (Courtesy: Sarfaraz Khan/Instagram)
In the upcoming second Test match, either Sarfaraz Khan or Rajat Patidar is likely to make it to the playing XI. Reflecting on their batting prowess, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra suggested that these Ranji Trophy stalwarts might have an edge in playing spin compared to some of the regular Indian batters. Chopra pointed out that their experience in the demanding domestic red-ball circuit in recent years could equip them with better skills to tackle spin bowling.
Harbhajan Singh’s India playing XI for the second Test match against England:
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar, KS Bharat, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav/Mohammed Siraj
