The cricketing powerhouses clashed on the pitch with India triumphantly squaring off the five-match Test series 1-1 against England in a match that concluded on Monday. In a stunning match played at Visakhapatnam, England was left to chase an imposing 399-run target but succumbed to the sheer might of the Indian bowling attack, collapsing at 292 on Day 4. This voracious appetite for victory termed ‘Bazball’ was no match for India’s strategic play.
As the cricket fraternity takes a breath after the electrifying second match, the spotlight now shifts to the third encounter scheduled to commence on February 15 in Rajkot. However, a wave of anticipation hangs in the air as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) prepares to announce the Indian squad for the remaining three Test matches. The entire cricketing community is on alert for updates on the potential returns of cricketing stalwarts like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja.
Amongst the batting and bowling queries, another pressing question that lingers pertains to the wicketkeeping spot for the upcoming game, especially in the wake of KS Bharat’s underwhelming performance in the initial two matches of the series. With merely 92 runs accumulated over four innings and no half-century in his 12 Test innings trajectory, Bharat’s form has put his position in the limelight.
As Rishabh Pant continues his recuperation journey, the chatter among the selectors has veered towards Ishan Kishan as a potential candidate behind the stumps. Ishan Kishan is no stranger to the Test arena, having made his debut against the West Indies in July 2023 where he wielded the bat with discernible prowess. However, despite being part of the roster for the recent South Africa tour, Kishan opted out, citing the need for a personal hiatus.
The last sighting of the 25-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman in competitive play dates back to November 2023 during a T20I series at home against Australia. Leading up to the England series, India’s head coach Rahul Dravid spoke of Kishan’s return as contingent on his participation in domestic cricket. However, the Jharkhand batter has not graced any of the five Ranji Trophy matches this year with his presence.
Consequently, when probed about the possibility of Kishan’s reintegration into the national setup post-sabbatical, Dravid underscored the necessity for him to gain some match time before being reconsidered for selection. He emphasized the autonomy granted to Kishan in deciding the timing of his comeback and mentioned that the management is maintaining open lines of communication with the player.
“There’s a way back for everyone,” Dravid articulated in the post-match dialogue with the press in Visakhapatnam. “We don’t rule out anybody for anything. Ishan requested a break, and we were happy to grant it. When he’s prepared, he needs to engage in some cricket and make a comeback. The decision is solely his. We aren’t coercing him; we’re in touch, but he hasn’t yet resumed playing, hence we cannot consider [having him back]. He himself will determine when he’s ready to return.”
While the Indian squad contemplates its next moves and player selections, other cricket stories continue to surface, including Shubman Gill’s apology to Kevin Pietersen and the implications of India’s Test victory for the World Test Championship points table. Moreover, the technological interferences during the Vizag Test, particularly the wicket of Zak Crawley, have not escaped Ben Stokes’ remarks and the broader analysis of cricket pundits.
As the series progresses and the third Test in Rajkot draws closer, all eyes are on the BCCI’s squad announcement. The anticipation is palpable, and the decisions made in the coming days could significantly influence India’s strategy and performance for the remainder of the series against England.
