Review of Indian Test squads of South Africa-tour: 2013 vs 2018

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has been the apt foil for Ashwin in Test cricket. He has displayed impeccable control bowling his off-breaks, emerging as India’s second-highest wicket taker after Ashwin. The Saurashtra cricketer also scored four half-centuries lower down the order.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has played a handful of games for India in Test cricket in 2017. However, he hasn’t performed badly in the limited opportunities. His significant performance came against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Kolkata where he nipped out eight wickets and subsequently grabbed the Man of the Match award.

Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha became India’s regular wicket-keeper after MS Dhoni’s retirement in 2014. While his agility behind the wickets has garnered appreciations for him, his batting has grown leaps and bounds. With a couple of hundreds against Bangladesh and Australia, the Bengal cricketer has been a dependable figure in the Indian lineup.

Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav has carved a reputation for himself as a dependable bowler with the new-ball. On every occasion in 2017, he has given India breakthroughs. His best bowling figures of 4/32 came in the second Test of Australia’s tour of India in March.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami suffered an injury for the first-half of 2017. However, he came back and played India’s home and overseas Test series against Sri Lanka. With 19 wickets against the Islanders, he has been able to end the year on a high. He has also played some quick-fire knocks down the order.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma has been a whole-hearted trier for India, especially in Test cricket. He played against Australia in March, however, persistent injuries kept him away for quite a while. Nevertheless, the fast-bowler returned against India’s home Test series against Sri Lanka.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah has been one of India’s major strengths in the limited overs versions. The last couple of years have been outstanding for the Gujarat-born pacer. With loads of tricks under his belt, he has been a tough nut to crack. Quite rightly, he was drafted into the Test squad for the South Africa-tour.

Parthiv Patel

Parthiv Patel has been a prolific run-scorer in the domestic circuit for Gujarat. The wicket-keeper made his debut in 2002, however, hasn’t been able to cement his place in the Indian team, especially after the emergence of MS Dhoni. He last played for India against England back in November 2016.