It was a good day for team India as they comfortably win the series against New Zealand by 372 runs in Mumabai and won the series by 1-0. Moreover, they also took the number 1 ranking from New Zealand which was taken by New Zealand itself few months back in the disappointing loss of India in World Test Champaionship final. While there were happy faces in the Indian camp, there are certain selection headaches which BCCI needs to address before the much awaited South Africa Series.
BCCI’s biggest concern for the test series is the place for veterans Cheteshwar Pujara and current vice captain of Indian test team Ajinkya Rahane. Both these two players have not been in consistent good forms over the past 3 years. It has been a slight improvement in some matches followed by lengthy pacthes of lean form which is surely a point of concern. Both Pujara and Rahane are averaging in mid 20’s since 2020 with only century among them came from the bat of Rahane in the historic Melborune test win.
Moreover, even Captain Virat Kohli’s form is a serious concern as he does not have a century in the past two years with the average hovering around mid 20’s since 2020. However, as a captain he might a longer run but with likes of Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, Mayank Agarwal and Suryakumar Yadav its high time for selectors to take a call at Indian middle order.
The biggest concern for the 50 over series is the the potential captain. While Virat hasn’t resigned as One day captain for India, having two white ball captains who play under each other might lead to conflict in team combinations. As Rohit is already the T20 captain, the selectors might look to make him the One day captain as well.
There are certainly certain points for the BCCI to look out for. Hope the get the best team for winning the series against South Africa in South Africa.
