New Delhi: With the Test tour of England less than a couple of months away, the Indian cricket board (BCCI) has readied a pool of players for the five-Test series and preceding India ‘A’ tour. TOI has learnt that Rohit Sharma (in pic) is in the shortlist of around 35 players to be split between the India ‘A’ and Test teams. While there has been speculation about Rohit’s place in the Test team, it seems that the selectors and board are still not sure if the team is ready to move on from him as captain on such a significant tour.
The board has already started arranging travel plans. The selectors are expected to pick the teams by the second week of May. One of the major areas of concern has been finding a steady middle-order Test batter at No. 5 or 6. It is learnt that the selectors are looking at Rajat Patidar and Karun Nair to fill the void. The two could be tried out in the India ‘A’ series which starts within a week of the IPL ending on May 25. Interestingly, Shreyas Iyer and Axar Patel have not yet been included in the shortlist.
“Rohit is most likely to travel as the board feels that one needs a strong captain through the series, which is likely to be as tough as the Australia tour. With regard to the middle-order, the team management has shown very little confidence in Sarfaraz Khan’s ability. Nair and Patidar are seasoned red-ball players and are in fine form. It is likely at least one of them will be in the India ‘A’ team. As for Iyer, he was dropped last year based on his poor returns in Test cricket. A final call is yet to be be taken,” a BCCI source said. It is also learnt that Sai Sudharshan is considered to be the third opener for the series.
Another significant name on the list is Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep has been out of favour for overseas Tests for a while now. With Ravichandran Ashwin retiring during the Australia tour, selectors may be tempted to pick Kuldeep, who offers an attacking spin option.
Who’s that IPL player?
In any case, the selectors are going to carry a decent number of travelling reserves which will largely comprise of backup pacers for Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, besides the odd spinner. Selectors are concerned about Mohammed Siraj not stepping up as the lead pacer in the absence of Bumrah and Shami.
Some of the regular Test players may be asked to get some game time with the India ‘A’ team in one of the three first-class games.
