‘Kohli is due for big series in England’

Prasad says Siraj has the pace, swing, and bounce to take wickets

Hyderabad: The national selection committee of Chetan Sharma (chairman), Sunil Joshi, Harvinder Singh, Abhey Kuruvilla, and Debashish Mohanty got thumbs up for picking a balanced 20-member team that will tour England for the World Test Championship final against New Zealand (at Southampton) and the five-Test series against the Joe Root-led home team.

Keeping in view of the conditions in England and doing good homework, the selectors went for an experienced side that promises to deliver the goods. Buoyed by the huge success after conquering the Australians Down Under, the selectors expect a repeat show in England.

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MSK Prasad, former chairman of selectors, said the present committee did a creditable job while picking this team. “We can’t ask for a better team than this. The merited players were selected based on their past performances. These players have been the fulcrum of India’s success. Ravi Shastri and his support staff have made this team world-beaters. This tour will pose another big challenge and I’m sure Kohli and his boys will taste success in the WTC Final and in the series against England,’’ said Prasad.

Former selector and Test left-arm spinner SL Venkatapathy Raju, too, echoed the same feeling.

“The players were selected on merit. I think this team has the ability to come good in England also. After two big series wins against Australia (in Australia) and England (at home) the Indian team’s confidence is high,’’ said Raju.

But many felt that the diminutive Prithvi Shaw was unfortunate to miss the bus, particularly after his phenomenal show in the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament. Prasad said: “It was a white-ball tournament where he scored those runs. He has to come good in Ranji Trophy to stake his claim again in the Indian team. He has to wait. I think, in all fairness, the selectors preferred the trio of Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, and Shubman Gill.

“The openers will face a big test against the moving ball. The first session is always crucial in English conditions. Rohit is a seasoned campaigner and his past experiences will come in handy. I think Kohli is due for a big series. This type of challenge motivates players like Kohli,’’ he added.

Raju added the conditions have changed over the years in England. “The team would be better prepared if they play a few practice matches against strong county teams as New Zealand will have an advantage over India as they play two Tests against England before the WTC Final. The New Zealand pace attack is formidable and sharp. And in the England series, the hosts will come hard on Kohli’s team particularly after their loss in India.’’

Prasad is all excited about Rishabh Pant after his recent exploits. “He has learned to handle the pressure. He is in a different league now. Not that he is confident behind the stumps, Pant can be the game-changer again in this coming series.

“For me, the Indian pace attack will play a big role. I would prefer three pacers and two spinners in the Test. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd Shami, Ishant Sharma, Mohd Siraj and Shardul Thakur can trouble the New Zealand and English batsmen. These pace bowlers are aware of the different challenges here and length is important as they have to pitch the ball up because of the conditions.’’

Prasad pointed out Siraj is growing in confidence. “He is developing into a world-class bowler. He has the pace, swing, and bounces to take wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar may have been a little unlucky. So is Hardik Pandya. The selectors are wisely preserving them for the T20 World Cup.’’

Raju said in the absence of Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja will be a key all-rounder for India. “He and the crafty Ashwin have specific roles to play in England.’’

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