Slip-fielding is an extremely important aspect of Tests. It is not an understatement if we can tell that this could have a potential impact on the outcome of the game. Especially for spinners in the subcontinent, a lot of wickets happen due to edges caught at slip. After Ajinkya Rahane, India has struggled in this aspect. While Virat Kohli has taken some spectacular catches, he has also dropped many simple ones. Hence, it is high time that India starts investing in a good slip fielder. On that note, here, we take a look at two players who can replace Virat Kohli in the slips in future.
1) Shreyas Iyer
Until at least Rishabh Pant returns to Team India, Shreyas Iyer will bat at No.5 in Tests. In the past, the likes of VVS Laxman and Ajinkya Rahane occupied this role for Team India. And both these players were terrific slip-fielders. Hence, Iyer could be expected to carry forward the tradition.
In recent games, Iyer has stood at slips and has also fielded at close-in positions. Hence, in terms of reflexes, he is already getting groomed and could replace Virat in the future.
2) Shubman Gill
Shubman Gill is one of the players who can replace Virat Kohli in the slips in future. Like Iyer, Gill has also fielded at close-in positions in his short Test career, till now. The Punjab cricketer has been good in this role.
Although he is currently not in the playing XI right now, he surely will claim a spot in the future. Hence, India can already start preparing Gill to become India’s slip-fielder for spinners. Since his temperament is good, he would be a good fit for the role. Interestingly, it would not be a surprise if Gill even takes Virat Kohli’s spot as India’s No.4 in the batting line-up in the future.
