Of 25 test matches India has played overseas since 2014, the team has won just NINE. So, going into the extremely-anticipated five-test series against England in England starting on August 1st, India doesn’t look to be in a very good position; at least on the psychological front. The team has already lost the 3-ODI series against England. Talk about their confidence ahead of crucial test series.
However, that being said, if you look at the current line-up of the Indian side, it looks highly promising. The announced team in India vs England test series includes Virat Kohli (Captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, KL Rahul, Murali Vijay, Karun Nair, Dinesh Karthik (wicket-keeper), Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Hardik Pandya, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur.
I am really expecting big things from KL Rahul in this series. Also, I hope Rishabh Pant gets the opportunities he deserves. Both had a phenomenal IPL season and domestic matches. Particularly Rahul, a well-recognized test player who has shown his ability on countless occasions. His class and skills often look to run parallel to Rahul Dravid’s in his early days. On the batting front, a lot will also depend on Kohli and Rahane, both of who have delivered adequately on people’s expectations in the past.
Indian bowling side in India vs England test series worries me a bit though. Except for Bumrah and Ashwin, the team can’t really depend on anyone to snag a victory. The rest has a history of struggling with form and unreliable performance overseas. Against a formidable line-up of England that includes Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Alastair Cool and Keaton Jennings, India certainly needs to do a lot of work in the bowling department.
In my opinion, I think India vs England test series will be a draw. If not, England will grab a win. I don’t know. I am supporting India, of course. But that’s how I feel.
(Courtesy: The Indian Express)