Team India suffered an embarrassing series defeat to South Africa. The Proteas were in a transition period and were missing Anrich Nortje. On the other hand, India is a strong Test team and hence, many felt that they would win the series. However, that was not to be. More than the strategies and the tactics, it was the underwhelming display of a few players that put India in such a spot. Also, the management would want to speed up the transition from a few veterans. On that note, in this article, we take a look at three players who might lose their spot from the Indian side for the next Test series. India’s next Test assignment will be against Sri Lanka at home, starting February this year.
1) Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane has been in poor form for a while now. After having recorded an average of just 22 against South Africa, it is certain that Rahane will lose his spot. Since he is considered a good overseas batsman, many expected him to do well in the Rainbow Nation. However, with him failing, there is a very slim chance that he will be a part of the team at home. India has a battery of replacement options available and hence, the management would not worry a lot.
Potential replacements: Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav
2) Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara, too, struggled in South Africa. He could score 124 runs at an average of 20 against the Proteas. He has also been in poor form and this performance could spell danger for him. No.3 is an important spot in the context of a Test XI. Team India has some important assignments this year and with WTC on the line, Hanuma Vihari might get an opportunity at this slot. The likes of Shubman Gill could also be tried out at this position.
Potential replacements: Hanuma Vihari and Shubman Gill
3) Ishant Sharma
It would be unfair on Ishant Sharma to lose his spot because he did not get a game in South Africa. However, Ishant’s form in the last two years has been disappointing. He has also had injury issues and has suffered from a lack of intensity. India has a plethora of options at home, and hence, Ishant might not get selected. Instead, the likes of Prasidh Krishna or left-arm pacer Arzan Nagwaswalla might fancy a chance.
Potential replacements: Prasidh Krishna and Arzan Nagwaswalla
