Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Sithara007]

@JSRAW both Pujara and Rahane have gotten multiple chances now and they failed in those chances thus they now need to make way for other player’s hence I was really surprised to see that these two were back. Also Virat will be dropped soon I guess because he’s been in poor form and I really don’t think his selection is now a guarantee, as I trust Dravid to take the hard calls and make a team for the long run.

This is what I have to say about Pujara and Rahane as well. They have been given infinite number of chances by the BCCI and still they are failing every now and then. Time has come to replace these two with some of the promising youngsters. Anyway, these two are near the end of their careers. I don't understand why the BCCI is still sticking with them. WTC final is an one-off test and therefore may not be the ideal occasion to test some of the younger players, but then this should be the final chance for both Pujara and Rahane. Enough is enough.

[JSRAW]

@JSRAW both Pujara and Rahane have gotten multiple chances now and they failed in those chances thus they now need to make way for other player’s hence I was really surprised to see that these two were back. Also Virat will be dropped soon I guess because he’s been in poor form and I really don’t think his selection is now a guarantee, as I trust Dravid to take the hard calls and make a team for the long run.

This is what I have to say about Pujara and Rahane as well. They have been given infinite number of chances by the BCCI and still they are failing every now and then. Time has come to replace these two with some of the promising youngsters. Anyway, these two are near the end of their careers. I don't understand why the BCCI is still sticking with them. WTC final is an one-off test and therefore may not be the ideal occasion to test some of the younger players, but then this should be the final chance for both Pujara and Rahane. Enough is enough.

Emotions shouldn't take the lead when selecting the squad. You must have a backup when sidelining the senior players, and also a couple of more points.

- You never airdrop debutants in alien conditions and that too in finals (in the context of Ruturaj, Sarfraz etc).
- Current form plays a big role and right now Pujara is in good knick and already smashed 2-3 tons in the county. You don't have his backup, Vihari was the main candidate but after the Sydney test bravery, he almost lost his charm.
- You dropped Rahane for a good reason and it was the right thing to do but don't forget we had his replacement Iyer ready to dig in, unfortunately, he's injured.

This cycle is about to finish and we will definitely witness a change in the top 5 for sure but my reading is that Rohit will be first to go, not Virat or Pujara. Pujara plays only 1 format and can continue for another cycle unless management pushes Gill to play at his position (he's preferable position). Rahane will be on the watch too but he start minting a couple of 80s or tons then he'll continue for some time.

I am also expecting Rohit and Virat to take retirement from the ODI format, if not official retirement then unofficial for sure. Management already quietly sidelined them from the T-20 setup.

Yeah, this duo is there and will be key for India, let's hope the former keeps his form and the latter concentrates on his bowling instead of trash talk.

We need trash talker and intimidators in the Indian team. The more these guys are agressive the more enjoyable will be the match. Shiraz has improved his bowling a lot after he got dropped few years back. At the moment both Shami and him are in the best form.

I do agree and I'm his supporter in red ball cricket as i believe he's future but every time he starts trash-talking, he also starts leaking runs and loses the plot.

[Sithara007]

For the Indian team, the next test series after WTC final is going to be the tour of West Indies, where they are supposed to play two matches (July-August 2023). And after this one, the next series will be held after the Asia Cup and ODI World Cup, in December 2023. India will be travelling to South Africa, to take part in a multi-format series that includes two test matches. So a total of 5 test matches are scheduled till the end of this year. WTF final is a one-off match, but for sure the Indian selectors can do some experimentation with selection for the remaining 4 matches.

[JSRAW]

WTF final is a one-off match, but for sure the Indian selectors can do some experimentation with selection for the remaining 4 matches.

They will surely make some changes in the squad and we might witness new names in the rank, especially for the Windies tour as it's considered an easy tour.

After this maybe new guys can make their cases for the SA tour, which is a tough tour for India and winning there still remains a pipe dream for the Indian team.

[SirLancelot]

WTF final is a one-off match, but for sure the Indian selectors can do some experimentation with selection for the remaining 4 matches.

They will surely make some changes in the squad and we might witness new names in the rank, especially for the Windies tour as it's considered an easy tour.

After this maybe new guys can make their cases for the SA tour, which is a tough tour for India and winning there still remains a pipe dream for the Indian team.

Now it's time for Indian selectors to do some experiments after WTC Final pick youngsters for the tour of West Indies because they have enough players for giving them chances Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and few others are reaching to end their careers so giving chances to youths in not bad idea which will give them confidence and experience as well in red ball format which is also looking for better intention from them.

SENA tours are never been easy so going with mostly experienced players are good idea but keeping youths for other tours surely good change with quality and performance will be increased, and we will be able to do things with better way in future as well.

[DanWalker]

WTF final is a one-off match, but for sure the Indian selectors can do some experimentation with selection for the remaining 4 matches.

They will surely make some changes in the squad and we might witness new names in the rank, especially for the Windies tour as it's considered an easy tour.
After this maybe new guys can make their cases for the SA tour, which is a tough tour for India and winning there still remains a pipe dream for the Indian team.

Now it's time for Indian selectors to do some experiments after WTC Final pick youngsters for the tour of West Indies because they have enough players for giving them chances Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and few others are reaching to end their careers so giving chances to youths in not bad idea which will give them confidence and experience as well in red ball format which is also looking for better intention from them.
SENA tours are never been easy so going with mostly experienced players are good idea but keeping youths for other tours surely good change with quality and performance will be increased, and we will be able to do things with better way in future as well.

I absolutely agree. India has a very good men's squad right now. So they should be concentrating on improving the next generation of players. It is true that the best players of the team are actually going to retire very soon.

I actually have a feeling that the next generation of the Indian cricket team is going to be very good. We are already seeing that players like Suryakumar performing really well. And there are a lot of players in India waiting for a chance to play for the Indian national team.

So, I don't think it will be an issue for India. But at the same time, they will have to try to create a team from the earlier stages.

[JSRAW]

~snip~

So, I don't think it will be an issue for India. But at the same time, they will have to try to create a team from the earlier stages.

Yeah, the overall transition period won't be that bad but it's a challenging phase for any team.

If not done properly then it would only hurt the test team for years or even decades. WI, SL, SA, and PAK are fine examples.

There are a few concerns for the Indian team despite having bench strength. Personally, in the long run, I am not worried about the batting and seam department much but the spin department. Really need to find not one but 2 quality spin all-rounders to replace Jaddu and Ashwin. Patel could be like for like replacement for Jadeja but Ashwin's replacement is missing atm.

[pakhitheboss]

Personally, in the long run, I am not worried about the batting and seam department much but the spin department. Really need to find not one but 2 quality spin all-rounders to replace Jaddu and Ashwin. Patel could be like for like replacement for Jadeja but Ashwin's replacement is missing atm.

There are two spinners in my mind who might replace Ashwin. The first one is Washington Sundar, who is also an offspinner and the second one is Chahal. Washington Sundar can bat too but Chahal cannot. What makes Washington Sundar a good choice is that he has been part of the test team whereas Chahal has not. Another important point here is that Washington Sundar has played in all three formats of cricket.

India's batting is of concern as we have seen in the past how they have struggled against quality spin bowling. After the big guns retire I do not see anyone in the present time taking their place. 

[JSRAW]

Personally, in the long run, I am not worried about the batting and seam department much but the spin department. Really need to find not one but 2 quality spin all-rounders to replace Jaddu and Ashwin. Patel could be like for like replacement for Jadeja but Ashwin's replacement is missing atm.

There are two spinners in my mind who might replace Ashwin. The first one is Washington Sundar, who is also an offspinner and the second one is Chahal. Washington Sundar can bat too but Chahal cannot. What makes Washington Sundar a good choice is that he has been part of the test team whereas Chahal has not. Another important point here is that Washington Sundar has played in all three formats of cricket.

India's batting is of concern as we have seen in the past how they have struggled against quality spin bowling. After the big guns retire I do not see anyone in the present time taking their place. 

I thought about Washi, he is handy with the bat and ball in white ball cricket but in test cricket his strong area is batting, he needs to learn the art of spin bowling in red ball cricket if he wants to fill Ashwin's shoes. Tbh Chahal is nowhere atm.

A new batch of batters like Gill, Pant, Sarfraz, Iyer and countless others are all good players of spin so we are pretty much safe for the next 4-5 years. Facing spin becomes a problem when they stop playing in the domestic. At one time our existing batters (Kohli, Pujara, Rahane or almost everyone) were also excellent batters against spin.

[pakhitheboss]

I thought about Washi, he is handy with the bat and ball in white ball cricket but in test cricket his strong area is batting, he needs to learn the art of spin bowling in red ball cricket if he wants to fill Ashwin's shoes. Tbh Chahal is nowhere atm.

That is correct he needs more grooming in order to bowl well with the red ball. I think the BCCI also needs to find new talents that are good with offspring. I have not heard anyone apart from these two who are offspinners. It looks like offspinners are slowly becoming an endangered species .

A new batch of batters like Gill, Pant, Sarfraz, Iyer and countless others are all good players of spin so we are pretty much safe for the next 4-5 years. Facing spin becomes a problem when they stop playing in the domestic. At one time our existing batters (Kohli, Pujara, Rahane or almost everyone) were also excellent batters against spin.

Gill is good but struggles with spin, Pant is good down the order but I am not sure about Sarfaraz or Iyer at the moment. Domestic cricket is already in shambles each player who has lost touch in the IPL performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket. BCCI should also restrict players to a certain number of matches in a year, to avoid unwanted injuries. Except for Panth all other players who got injured were due to excess games.   

[BobK71]

I actually have a feeling that the next generation of the Indian cricket team is going to be very good. We are already seeing that players like Suryakumar performing really well. And there are a lot of players in India waiting for a chance to play for the Indian national team.

The entire cricket world knows how strong India is in cricket. It's not build in a day. Due to hard work and effort they get this, India is currently leading the cricket world. It is said that the Indian Cricket Board is a factory for producing good cricketers. Where the number of good cricketers is very high. They are capable of producing good cricketers to play in every form of cricket. Suryakumar has become one of the talented players in Indian cricket. Who is fit enough to play in every format of cricket and that is proved in the past.

[mm2543363580]

I actually have a feeling that the next generation of the Indian cricket team is going to be very good. We are already seeing that players like Suryakumar performing really well. And there are a lot of players in India waiting for a chance to play for the Indian national team.

The entire cricket world knows how strong India is in cricket. It's not build in a day. Due to hard work and effort they get this, India is currently leading the cricket world. It is said that the Indian Cricket Board is a factory for producing good cricketers. Where the number of good cricketers is very high. They are capable of producing good cricketers to play in every form of cricket. Suryakumar has become one of the talented players in Indian cricket. Who is fit enough to play in every format of cricket and that is proved in the past.

India and Australia are two teams who have always dominated the cricket world because of their game , although they specually india haven't won important cups but still they are always on top and they are entertaining the world with their  cricket .

[JSRAW]

I thought about Washi, he is handy with the bat and ball in white ball cricket but in test cricket his strong area is batting, he needs to learn the art of spin bowling in red ball cricket if he wants to fill Ashwin's shoes. Tbh Chahal is nowhere atm.

That is correct he needs more grooming in order to bowl well with the red ball. I think the BCCI also needs to find new talents that are good with offspring. I have not heard anyone apart from these two who are offspinners. It looks like offspinners are slowly becoming an endangered species .

It's not like there are no offies in the domestic, it's just that none of them seems to break a door atm and are not making enough noise in red ball cricket. A fair amount of leggies are coming into the limelight but it appears that most of them are more focused on white ball cricket, like Bishnoi.

A new batch of batters like Gill, Pant, Sarfraz, Iyer and countless others are all good players of spin so we are pretty much safe for the next 4-5 years. Facing spin becomes a problem when they stop playing in the domestic. At one time our existing batters (Kohli, Pujara, Rahane or almost everyone) were also excellent batters against spin.

Gill is good but struggles with spin, Pant is good down the order but I am not sure about Sarfaraz or Iyer at the moment. Domestic cricket is already in shambles each player who has lost touch in the IPL performed exceptionally well in domestic cricket. BCCI should also restrict players to a certain number of matches in a year, to avoid unwanted injuries. Except for Panth all other players who got injured were due to excess games.   

I'd say Iyer is our best batter against spin, even on a rank turner. There are many like him because in Ranji you won't survive for long if you can't handle spin.

Well, restricting un-capped players would be difficult because for players it's their bread and butter. Regarding injuries I think BCCI should strengthen NCA along with work management for capped players, ATM NCA seems to be losing its mojo as far as player's fitness and rehabilitation are concerned. 

[DanWalker]

~snip~
So, I don't think it will be an issue for India. But at the same time, they will have to try to create a team from the earlier stages.

Yeah, the overall transition period won't be that bad but it's a challenging phase for any team.
If not done properly then it would only hurt the test team for years or even decades. WI, SL, SA, and PAK are fine examples.
There are a few concerns for the Indian team despite having bench strength. Personally, in the long run, I am not worried about the batting and seam department much but the spin department. Really need to find not one but 2 quality spin all-rounders to replace Jaddu and Ashwin. Patel could be like for like replacement for Jadeja but Ashwin's replacement is missing atm.

I think India needs a really good leg spinner who can also bat. I know it is hard to find. After all, someone who is a really good leg spinner probably is not going to be good at batting. That is a rare breed to find.

I actually have a feeling that the next generation of the Indian cricket team is going to be very good. We are already seeing that players like Suryakumar performing really well. And there are a lot of players in India waiting for a chance to play for the Indian national team.

The entire cricket world knows how strong India is in cricket. It's not build in a day. Due to hard work and effort they get this, India is currently leading the cricket world. It is said that the Indian Cricket Board is a factory for producing good cricketers. Where the number of good cricketers is very high. They are capable of producing good cricketers to play in every form of cricket. Suryakumar has become one of the talented players in Indian cricket. Who is fit enough to play in every format of cricket and that is proved in the past.

I don't think India will ever have any shortage of talent just because of the population. They have so much population and almost all of the population is so interested in cricket that I don't see them having any problems finding talent at any given time. But still, India will have to be careful about these transition periods.

[eaLiTy]

~
India and Australia are two teams who have always dominated the cricket world because of their game , although they specually india haven't won important cups but still they are always on top and they are entertaining the world with their  cricket .

India became a dominant team in the last decade and they won all the major tournaments including the World Cup and the number one Test ranking and what more do you expect  .

~
I don't think India will ever have any shortage of talent just because of the population. They have so much population and almost all of the population is so interested in cricket that I don't see them having any problems finding talent at any given time. But still, India will have to be careful about these transition periods.

India does have the infrastructure and grooming of young players are way better than it was in the last decade. IPL is one of the main reason for this rapid change as teams are scouting players from clubs and helping them at a younger stage in their career and that makes a difference and population alone is not the reason.

[DanWalker]

~
I don't think India will ever have any shortage of talent just because of the population. They have so much population and almost all of the population is so interested in cricket that I don't see them having any problems finding talent at any given time. But still, India will have to be careful about these transition periods.

India does have the infrastructure and grooming of young players are way better than it was in the last decade. IPL is one of the main reason for this rapid change as teams are scouting players from clubs and helping them at a younger stage in their career and that makes a difference and population alone is not the reason.

Another reason is India always spends a lot of money on cricket. And we all know India is the biggest revenue-generating country in the world of cricket. So every parent in India knows that the future of their children is going to be really good in cricket.

Of course, there will have to be a good cricketer. But I think even if a player does not get called for the national team he is still going to be paid a lot of money if he can play in the IPL. The popularity of IPL has also made players from all around India perform well to have a chance to play in the IPL.

[romero121]

~
I don't think India will ever have any shortage of talent just because of the population. They have so much population and almost all of the population is so interested in cricket that I don't see them having any problems finding talent at any given time. But still, India will have to be careful about these transition periods.

India does have the infrastructure and grooming of young players are way better than it was in the last decade. IPL is one of the main reason for this rapid change as teams are scouting players from clubs and helping them at a younger stage in their career and that makes a difference and population alone is not the reason.

Another reason is India always spends a lot of money on cricket. And we all know India is the biggest revenue-generating country in the world of cricket. So every parent in India knows that the future of their children is going to be really good in cricket.

Of course, there will have to be a good cricketer. But I think even if a player does not get called for the national team he is still going to be paid a lot of money if he can play in the IPL. The popularity of IPL has also made players from all around India perform well to have a chance to play in the IPL.

Indian parents doesn't have the mind to make their children cricketers for different reasons. The prime reason being the population and the selection process. As India is the highly populated country in the world it is really hard to be one among the 11 playing for the country. Now with IPL we were able to see more young talents getting opportunity. So, IPL have made more players life meaningful, if not many could've gone unnoticed. IPL have turned to be one among the top leagues played around the world. Right now more players will be having the mentality, atleast to get an opportunity to play in IPL.

[DanWalker]

Indian parents doesn't have the mind to make their children cricketers for different reasons. The prime reason being the population and the selection process. As India is the highly populated country in the world it is really hard to be one among the 11 playing for the country. Now with IPL we were able to see more young talents getting opportunity. So, IPL have made more players life meaningful, if not many could've gone unnoticed. IPL have turned to be one among the top leagues played around the world. Right now more players will be having the mentality, atleast to get an opportunity to play in IPL.

I have heard that Indian parents actually tell their kids now that you don't need to play for the Indian national team as long as you play well and can actually get yourself a place or a team in the IPL.

That is how popular and relevant IPL has become. They know that it is going to pay very well even if they are not on the Indian national team. The IPL has given relevance to a lot of young players. Players have also become popular because of the IPL. We all know that almost every other cricket board is trying to do that. But it is not going to be that easy.

[Sithara007]

WTC final is a one-off match, but for sure the Indian selectors can do some experimentation with selection for the remaining 4 matches.

They will surely make some changes in the squad and we might witness new names in the rank, especially for the Windies tour as it's considered an easy tour.

After this maybe new guys can make their cases for the SA tour, which is a tough tour for India and winning there still remains a pipe dream for the Indian team.

South Africa is going to be a tough tour, at least for the batsmen. Facing bowlers such as Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Lungi Ngidi is not going to be easy, especially in tracks that offer a lot of support for the batsmen. That is why I would like the selectors to make some experimentation during the West Indies tour. If someone performs well, then let them be included for the Protean tour. Anyway let's not forget the fact that players like Virat and Rohit are all in their mid 30s. Within the next 3-4 years, Indian selectors need to find replacements for them.

[JSRAW]

I think India needs a really good leg spinner who can also bat. I know it is hard to find. After all, someone who is a really good leg spinner probably is not going to be good at batting. That is a rare breed to find.

Being a leggie in test cricket is hard, especially in the Ranji system, not everyone can become Shane Warne. Also, keep in mind that even the late Shane Warne was a big disappointment when facing Indian batters and he only bowled against a handful of Indian batters.

Now think from a local Indian leggie's perspective, the poor guy has to face a full season of Ranji against countless batters and it's not an easy job. One of the reasons we don't see many leggies around the Indian test team setup as after some time these young leg spinners move onto white ball cricket.

Anyway let's not forget the fact that players like Virat and Rohit are all in their mid 30s. Within the next 3-4 years, Indian selectors need to find replacements for them.

I'd prefer if Virat and Rohit take official retirement from T-20 and ODI (After WC) and focused on Test cricket and IPL.