ENG vs. IND: With both sides having a voice in the first two matches of the Test series, Team India and England have been engaged in intense competition. The hosts quickly recovered to level the score in the second Test, despite the Three Lions drawing first blood.
Fans can still look forward to three more exciting games filled with action-packed scenes. For the last three Test matches, the Indian national selectors have not yet revealed their team.
We anticipate that four players will have the chance to make a surprise return for the balance of the series, so who knows? There may be some surprises in the squad selection.
Cheteshwar Pujara: Cheteshwar Pujara has spent more than ten years as a key member of India’s batting unit in Test matches. Despite this, his name vanished from the minds of the national selectors following his lackluster showing against Australia in the World Test Championship 2023 final. The selectors were forced to show the 36-year-old the exit door for the time being after he scored 14 and 27 in the important match.
Having accumulated a great deal of experience, he remains India’s Test specialist. The third Test is scheduled to take place in Rajkot, where the Rajkot native may have an opportunity to strike gold. With five centuries and seven fifties, the senior pro amassed 1778 runs against England.
Ajinkya Rahane: For many years, Ajinkya Rahane has been an integral part of India’s middle-order batting lineup. Since players’ consistency is a key factor in establishing and maintaining their spot on the team, Rahane has struggled mightily in this regard and has thus been in and out of the lineup on multiple occasions.
We must not overlook the fact that he has played a pivotal role in numerous victories for India both at home and abroad. He has amassed 5077 runs, including 12 hundreds and 26 fifty-scores, in 85 Tests. For the final three Tests, he might be an unexpected selection.
Ishant Sharma: The veteran pacer has not formally retired from international cricket, despite his lengthy absence from the Test setup. In 2021, against New Zealand, the 35-year-old made his final Test appearance. Since his body is no longer beneficial to him, the veteran has subtly implied that he will not be donning the Test jersey again.
Impressively, he has taken 311 wickets in 105 Tests, with his best figures of 7/74 coming in a 2014 match against England at Lord’s. Nevertheless, he would not politely decline an opportunity that may prove to be a more advantageous parting gift. In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, the Delhi-born player took two wickets against Baroda. It is worth mentioning that he holds the record for most Test wickets against England with 67.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: Bhuvneshwar Kumar last played in a Test match in 2018 against South Africa. After that, he suffered a series of injuries that severely limited his Test playing time and ultimately his chances of being selected. The 34-year-old has been an unstoppable force in 21 Tests, taking 63 wickets (including 4 fifs).
The pacer from Uttar Pradesh was just in action against Mumbai, and he showed his stuff by taking two wickets in the first innings and three in the second. Because of his excellent physical condition, the selectors may take a chance and include him in the squad for the final three Tests. Twenty wickets were taken by the seasoned campaigner in six Tests against England. In addition to his bowling credentials, he also has batting prowess, having scored three fifty-plus scores (with a best of 63*).
