5 players that India might axe before England Test series

After a tough encounter against New Zealand in the World Test Championship final, the next Test series in line for Team India is England. The Kiwis managed to lift an ICC Trophy after a long wait of 21 years. There were many issues related to the team formation for India. Although the team was packed with proven performers, it failed when it mattered the most. 

The last time when India visited England, they were not up to the mark. With Sam Curran troubling the Indians, the scorecard read 4-1 after five matches. Only Virat Kohli was able to make an impact. Well, that did set up the tone for a team that went on to defeat Australia that year. 

In the last game, Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul scored magnificent centuries. But, a lack of contribution from other batsmen meant that the bowlers had to be on their toes every time. After the WTC final, there have been many flaws exposed. This time, there might be some harsh decisions that the management might take.  

Here are five players who might get axed for the series against England:

5. Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been the star bowler for the Indian team in every format. He bowls in the powerplays and death overs for the team in limited-overs. In Test format, he provides crucial breakthroughs for his captain. But, there is something when it comes to ICC finals.

Bumrah has bowled six no balls in two finals till now.  During the final of the WTC, he was not at his best. He bowled some loose balls and was unable to bowl those lethal swinging deliveries. He found his touch during the second innings but Pujara dropped a catch at the slips. 

But, it was too late for Team India. If the management wants, they can try Mohammed Siraj. Siraj can swing the ball at a decent pace. Adding on, he can swing the bat for some valuable runs, which can drag a team out of trouble, like Tim Southee’s knock during the first innings in the WTC final.

4. Ajnikya Rahane

Hanuma Vihari played an exceptional knock during the Australian tour to drag Team India out of trouble. The Test specialist has been out of the team since that match. But, to be fair, he has been underused by the team management. Vihari is a useful batsman who can fit in the middle order. 

The buzz about Vihari’s inclusion has started because of Ajinkya Rahane’s inconsistency. Apart from that MCG knock, the vice-captain has failed to make a mark. He is well known to play crucial innings during critical conditions, but he failed during the finals of the World Test Championship. 

Rahane’s dismissal during the first innings opened the door of a huge batting collapse due to which India was unable to put up a strong score. As Kohli has hinted at some major changes, Rahane might get dropped. If this happens, this will not be the first instance, as he was dropped from the South African tour in 2018 too. 

Talking about Vihari, he has played 12 matches so far. Till now, he has scored 624 runs with the highest score of 111. His county cricket experience might also help India to score some valuable runs in the middle order. Vihari could bowl in some part-time spin too, hence he is a good option. 

3. Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill has replaced Mayank Agarwal after Rohit Sharma occupied an opening spot. During the Gabba Test, he scored a magnificent 91 to set up the tone for a historic chase. But since then, Gill has been out of touch. Although he has scored 3 half-centuries in his short career, he has been unable to convert any of them starts to centuries. 

In the WTC final too, Gill was unable to occupy the crease for a long period. This meant that Pujara had to face the swinging deliveries right up. After Pujara’s dismissal, the middle order was exposed wide open. But, the story could have been different if there was someone with experience like Mayank Agarwal.

Mayank Agarwal has been the unluckiest cricketer of the first WTC cycle. He played 12 Test matches, scored 857 runs, with 3 centuries, and had the highest score of 243. But, was dropped later on after he failed in Australia. Well, as Gill has failed for some time now, Agarwal should be given a place in the squad. Even a legend like VVS Laxman has pointed out his weakness and has stated that he needs to stop falling over to straight deliveries.

2. Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin 

There is no doubt that Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin are the most successful spinners in the modern era. Currently, Jadeja is the number one all-rounder and scores important runs for the team. Ashwin was the highest wicket-taker for the team in WTC 2019-21. But in English conditions, the Team should include a pacer who can bat.

This is mainly because last time, Hardik Pandya picked up a 5 wicket haul. He had bowling figures of 28 for 5. Because of him, there was a batting collapse in the England camp as they were all out for just 161. Later on, India went on to win the game. 

India has included Shardul Thakur in the squad. The bowling all-rounder has played just 2 Test matches so far. But, he played a match-turning knock of 67 against Australia at the Gabba. Apart from that, he has the best bowling figure of 4/61 in Test cricket. Shardul could be the fourth seamer in the squad. Well, this will be a temporary replacement as in favorable conditions, Jadeja and Ashwin are unplayable.

1. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara  getting dropped sounds absurd. But, this is the talk of the town. Pujara was phenomenal during the Australian tour. Since then his performance has taken a dip. Although he is well known to be the “savior” of the team, Kohli might look to include Rahul in the squad. 

Pujara was unable to contribute during the World Test Championship final. His scores of 15 and 8 were not enough to help Team India to pile up a big score against New Zealand. With the Test series coming up, Pujara might be benched for a few games, as KL Rahul has been out of the team for a long time. 

Last time, Rahul played a magnificent inning of 149 against England. Rahul and Pant were the only players who were able to make an impact. It looks like Rahul will be recalled because of his decent record in England. But, if he fails, he might be benched again.