World Test Championship has brought relevance to Test cricket. ICC has recently confirmed that this tournament would stay for a long time. From now, teams will start preparing more intensely for WTC, and hence, we could be in line to witness highly competitive encounters.
Team India, too, will have to be aware of the intense competition that it will face in the coming WTC. There will be very narrow margins for failure. Importantly, after the next WTC cycle, the team might have to field a few new cricketers as the current ones might reach the final stages of their careers. Hence, the upcoming WTC will also serve as the transition period for the unit.
1. Shreyas Iyer – Must Be Made Rahane’s Backup For Next World Test Championship
Although Ajinkya Rahane has stepped up in crucial situations, his consistency is still underwhelming. The Tour of England could prove to be a defining phase in his career. If he cannot find success, the management might soon start to think of players who can replace him. Shreyas Iyer is one player who can do that. Iyer came into the scene after doing well for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy. Hence, he possesses the skills to excel in the five-day format.
2. Devdutt Padikkal
After Shikhar Dhawan was dropped from the Test Team, India has not had a left-handed opener. As the World Test Championship progresses, this aspect could start becoming important. The best option for the selectors, at the moment, is of course Devdutt Padikkal. He has the temperament to excel in the longest format. In the 2019/20 Ranji Trophy event, he also played a few good knocks. Hence, he must be groomed for the next WTC.
3. Arzan Nagwaswalla – A Left-Arm Pace Option For Next World Test Championship
Nagwaswalla is a left-arm pacer from Gujarat. In the 2019-20 edition of the Ranji Trophy, he did extremely well. He has been rewarded a place in the reserves of India’s Touring squad to England. This already suggests that Team India is looking at him from a long-term perspective. The management must stick with this decision for the upcoming tournaments, as well.
4. Ravi Bishnoi
The last time Team India had a leg-spinner operating for a long time in Test cricket was when Anil Kumble was in the squad. Since then, the team has relied on the off-spin strategy in the spin department. Variety would be important and it would not be a bad idea to groom a leg-spinner for the same. Ravi Bishnoi is known to be more of a limited-overs spinner but he has the skills and potential to do well with the red-ball. The management must try to make this happen.
5. Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi could be a long-term replacement for Ishant Sharma in the five-day format. Although they are two different bowlers, Kartik offers something different than Ishant, and this could be part of the long-term strategy for Team India. The pace department is one area that is stacked for the next World Test Championship. However, there would be chances to include a few youngsters in the team. The management must ensure this in the case of Kartik.
