Youth Players in Test Cricket: A Rising Trend
In the coming times, selectors might place more trust in young players for Test cricket. Consequently, senior players will have to maintain their positions in Team India by consistently giving stellar performances. Due to the attention towards young players, it might become difficult for those players to make a comeback into the test team who were once star performers for Team India.
Five Players Who Might Not Get a Chance in the Test Team
Let’s discuss five such players who might not get a chance in the test team.
Wriddhiman Saha
Wriddhiman Saha got many chances as a wicketkeeper-batsman after MS Dhoni’s retirement from test cricket. However, Saha’s career took a downturn later on. He last played a match against New Zealand in 2021. At 38, and with players like KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan, and Rishabh Pant in the team, it is unlikely that Saha will make a comeback.
Karun Nair
Apart from Virender Sehwag, Karun Nair is the only player to have scored a triple century in test cricket for India. However, after that triple century, the 31-year-old’s performance graph has been on the decline. He last played a match for India in 2017. Since he is not playing domestic cricket now, it seems difficult for him to make a comeback. He has played six tests and two ODIs for India.
Cheteshwar Pujara
After a disappointing performance in the World Test Championship final, Cheteshwar Pujara was given a break from the team. Now at 35, it might be difficult for Pujara to make a comeback in the team. He was earlier dropped from the test team after the South Africa tour in 2022. However, after a splendid performance for Sussex in the County Championship, he made a comeback in the Indian team.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been away from international cricket for many months. It has been over five years since he played test cricket. With the current team composition, it seems challenging for Bhuvneshwar Kumar to make a comeback. He has been constantly struggling with injuries since his debut for India in 2013. At 33, he has played only 21 test matches, in which he has taken 63 wickets at an average of 26.1.
Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma, who was once a crucial member of the Indian test cricket team as a fast bowler, now seems to have his career almost over. Ishant has played 105 tests, 80 ODIs, and 14 T20Is for India. He has taken 311 wickets in tests, 115 in ODIs, and 8 in T20Is. He last played a test match against New Zealand in November 2021. At 34, it is unlikely that Ishant will make a comeback as the Indian team is now giving chances to young fast bowlers.
In conclusion
India’s test cricket team is undergoing a significant change with a focus on young players. This shift towards youth is a promising sign for the future of Indian cricket. However, it also means that some senior players may not get another chance to prove their mettle. Only time will tell how this change will affect the dynamics of the Indian cricket team.