Sarfaraz Khan’s Test future in jeopardy as Ajit Agarkar, Gautam Gambhir plan next WTC cycle

India’s embarrassing debacle in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. in Australia must have forced the National Selection Committee and the BCCI to make some serious changes to bring the Test side back into dominant mode in the traditional format of the game.

India’s next Test assignment is against England in June, but the selectors have started hatching plans to prepare a dominant Test side to win the next ICC World Test Cup (WCT).

Indian Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025. debacle calls for revision before WTC plans

With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the twilight stages of their careers, the Indian selectors have plenty of options to prepare for the future, as the legendary batsmen could soon accept a call-up to their Test future.

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Days after India’s five-match Test series humiliation against Australia, Sarfaraz Khan’s future in the Indian Test team is said to be under threat after doubts were raised over his technique against quality fast bowling, according to a PTI report. Reportedly, Sarfaraz will not be selected for the upcoming tour of England.

Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against fast bowling has come under intense scrutiny following his dismissals in the Pune and Mumbai Tests against New Zealand last year. The Indian cricket team management is reportedly losing confidence in Khan’s abilities to tackle quality pace attacks.

Sarfaraz Khan’s Test berth in danger for England’s tour of India

Adding to the speculation, Sarfaraz was absent from batting practice for several net sessions, hinting at his potential slide down the team hierarchy. With the much-awaited tour of England on the horizon, sources have suggested that Sarfaraz Khan may be left out of the Test squad.

The PTI report reads: “Sarfaraz Khan’s technique against the right fast bowler has always been questionable, but the way he fared in Pune and Mumbai in the home Tests against New Zealand has made the current team management wary. In most halls, Sarfaraz has not even come out to bat during regular net sessions, which is an indication that he is quite low in the order.”

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Indian selectors eye impressive performances in Ranji Trophy 2024-25. while Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer are fighting for the examination seats

Meanwhile, three experienced Indian players could make a strong comeback to the Test team namely Ruturaj Gaikwad, Rajat Patidar and Shreyas Iyer. Gaikwad’s pedigree is unquestionable despite his struggles in India A matches, while Patidar and Iyer have faced challenges but could prove their worth with strong performances in the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy.

The Indian selection panel is said to be looking for impressive performances, not just runs or wickets, and decisions will be made after this Ranji season ends in February. In addition, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Abhimanyu Easwaran are competing for places, especially with the future of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli uncertain.

Sudharsan, after recovering from surgery, could be a key contender if he maintains his form and fitness in the second round of the 2024-25 Ranji Trophy. While there are more options in the batting department, India face a bigger problem in the bowling department, especially the pace.

The fast bowling cupboard looks bare with names like Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna not appearing as spins like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma. On the other hand, left-arm bowlers like Arshdeep Singh and Yash Dayal are still developing.

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