Delhi: After losing the Test series against New Zealand 3-0, the pressure on the Indian team has increased and the biggest reason for this defeat was the weak performance of the batsmen. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is angry with this crushing defeat and according to a report, some senior players may have to consider retiring from the Test format after the Australia tour.
New Zealand became the first team to defeat India 3-0 in a Test at home, defeated the hosts
The Indian team will soon play a five-match Test series against Australia, which is important to remain in the race for the final in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). India will have to win four out of five matches to reach the final. According to PTI report, BCCI is considering dropping senior players from the team before the next cycle of WTC. This includes Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
There may be an informal discussion between BCCI officials, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma regarding aging players. If India fails to qualify for the WTC final, then the possibility of changes in the team will increase in the upcoming five-match series against England.
Apart from this, consideration can also be given to giving opportunities to young players like Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal. After the Australia series, there can be a discussion on Ashwin’s future and preparing Washington Sundar in his place. Jadeja can be retained in the team on the basis of his fitness and performance on foreign pitches, while Axar Patel is ready as his replacement in Indian conditions.
Jasprit Bumrah has been made the vice-captain, but due to his workload management, this role cannot continue for long. In future, consideration can also be given to handing over Test captaincy to either Shubman Gill or Rishabh Pant.