Star Indian batter Virat Kohli’s decision to opt out of the first two Test matches against England due to personal reasons has created a void in the Indian squad. As the team grapples with the absence of their former captain, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to announce a replacement soon. Kohli, who was the highest run-scorer for India in the recent South Africa series, leaves a significant gap in the Indian batting lineup. In this article, we will explore three players who could potentially step up and contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming Tests in Kohli’s absence.
Here’s a look at three players who could replace Virat Kohli in the upcoming Tests:
1. Ajinkya Rahane
While not a direct replacement for Kohli’s style of play, Ajinkya Rahane brings a wealth of experience to the table. Rahane has been a consistent performer and a reliable pillar in the Indian batting lineup. His recent form, especially in the final of the World Test Championship, where he was the highest run-getter, speaks volumes about his capabilities. The team management might opt for Rahane’s experience to bolster the middle order in Kohli’s absence. Rahane’s resilience and ability to handle pressure situations make him a strong contender for the vacant spot.
2. Sarfaraz Khan
One name that immediately comes to mind is Sarfaraz Khan. The young batter has been consistently knocking on the doors of selection with impressive performances in domestic cricket. His knocks of 96 and 55 for India A against England Lions have certainly caught the selectors’ attention. Sarfaraz’s red-ball prowess is evident in his outstanding averages of 154, 122, and 91 in the last three Ranji Trophy editions. If there’s any player who deserves a chance in the Test team, it’s Sarfaraz Khan, and Kohli’s absence might just provide the opportunity he’s been waiting for.
3. Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara may not be in the best form at the international level, but he has been scoring runs consistently in domestic cricket. His recent double hundred against Jharkhand in the Ranji Trophy highlights his red-ball prowess. Pujara has been a crucial part of India’s Test batting lineup, and despite recent struggles, the selectors and team management might consider going back to him during Kohli’s absence. Pujara’s ability to anchor the innings and play the role of a sheet anchor could be valuable, especially in home conditions.
Also Read: Why is Virat Kohli Not Playing in first Two Tests Against England
India’s Squad for First Two Tests: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Avesh Khan