In a cricketing spectacle that has fans on the edge of their seats, Team India is gearing up to host England for an exhilarating five-match Test series spanning 46 action-packed days. The stage is set at Hyderabad’s Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, with the inaugural Test scheduled to kick off on Thursday, January 25.
A Major Setback: Kohli’s Absence in the Opening Tests
The excitement is tinged with disappointment as India faces a significant setback—Virat Kohli, the cricket maestro, will be absent for the initial two Tests. Citing personal reasons, the former Indian captain has decided to take a two-week break from the international cricketing arena.
Kohli, boasting the highest number of Test appearances among current Indian players (113 Tests), showcased sublime form in the recent two-match Test series in South Africa. His absence leaves a conspicuous void in the Indian middle order, a gap keenly felt in the first two Tests against England.
Restructuring the Middle Order: Moving On From Pujara and Rahane
The absence of Kohli brings forth the realization that India’s middle order is now navigating uncharted waters. The team management has made a strategic shift, moving away from the seasoned duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. Despite holding their ground for over a decade and collectively participating in 188 Test matches, their recent batting form prompted a shift in strategy.
Emerging Faces in the Middle Order
With Kohli on the sidelines for the first two Tests and both Pujara and Rahane excluded from the current Indian squad, the upcoming Hyderabad Test against England marks a significant moment. This will be the first instance in over 12 years where India’s Test side won’t feature any of the trio—Kohli, Rahane, or Pujara.
Flashback to 2011: The Last Test Without the Trio
A trip down memory lane takes us to November 2011, the last time India played a Test without Kohli, Rahane, or Pujara in the starting XI. It was the Indian team against West Indies in the first two Tests of a three-match home Test series.
Dominance at Eden Gardens
In the second Test at Eden Gardens, Indian skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to bat. The absence of the formidable trio did little to hinder India’s performance. Openers Gautam Gambhir and Virender Sehwag laid a solid foundation, and Rahul Dravid’s century set the tone for a commanding innings.
MS Dhoni and VVS Laxman then unleashed a relentless onslaught, stitching together a colossal partnership of 224 runs. Their dominance propelled India to a formidable total of 631/7 before declaring on Day 2.
Windies’ Struggle and India’s Victory
The West Indies struggled in reply, bowled out for a mere 153 runs, conceding a first-innings lead of 478 runs. Despite a valiant effort in their second innings, the visitors fell short, losing by an innings and 15 runs.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future
As India braces itself for the upcoming Tests against England, the absence of Kohli, Rahane, and Pujara presents an intriguing scenario. The emergence of new talent in the middle order signifies a transition in Indian Test cricket, making this series a pivotal moment in the team’s history.
You can also check out 3 Compelling Reasons to Choose Cheteshwar Pujara as Virat Kohli’s Stand-In for the Initial 2 Tests Against England.
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