I have already written one blog about the first Test debacle. This is a continuation of the same.
There are certain players in the team who have not been living upto expectations for a very longtime. Chief among them are Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul and to a certain extent, Ravindra Jadeja. Jadeja has been pretty much inconsistent whereas in the case of the other two, they are more or less a nervous wreck. Despite multiple opportunities, through the world, they have not been performing at the best of their abilities. I have written quite a few articles about Rahul, whether he is required for Tests or what is his problem. It is probably worth repeating it here.
Lokesh Rahul and multiple opportunities
I do not have any doubt about the ability or talent of Rahul but what is the use of such a talent if it is not put to optimum use? He really is an enigma. Rahul has got hundreds in England, Australia and South Africa. Infact, his first 100 in Test cricket, was against Australia in Australia. At that stage, when India were struggling to find proper openers, everyone thought that India has found an opener who could hold himself in all conditions. Expectations naturally increased but he himself seemed to have been surprised that he got a hundred in Australia. An average of 33 in 53 Tests. In 10 years, he hasn’t improved a wee bit. If Rahul’s Test career is terminated by the beginning of the 2nd Test, he can only blame himself.
He just does not have any means to complain that he wasn’t given enough opportunities. 53 Tests is a largesse by any measurement. There are so many cricketers in this nation who don’t even get half or even quarter of that many opportunities. Rahul was given because the selectors and the team management saw the potential in him. He has got all the shots on the book and is not weak against pace or spin. The hundreds in pace friendly countries are an example. What has prevented him from performing all these years, is not at all clear. Perhaps, it is in the mind.
Nevertheless, he must have sorted that part by now but apparently, he hasn’t. He must realise that there are lot of players who are eyeing his spot. Dhruv Jurel can play as a proper batsman or Padikkal is there. There certainly isn’t any dearth of options for the middle order spot.
Mohammed Siraj deception
I, for one am under the impression that Siraj has taken to Test cricket as a fish to the water. He was extremely impressive in that first Test tour to Australia. In just his 2nd Test, he became the leader of the pack. I thought that he is an ideal partner for Bumrah. Fast forward 4 years, Siraj hasn’t done much to be counted as an automatic in the team. Ofcourse, if Mohammed Shami was fit, he would have taken the 2nd seamer’s role. Having said that, Siraj has gained enough experience in the last 4 years.
He has played 30 Tests, though his average is quite decent, his strike rate is woeful. Just 80 wickets in 30 Tests is unacceptable. Siraj himself will admit that he has underachieved. One can say that he has bowled in unfriendly conditions. Agreed but even then, 19 wickets in 13 Tests in India is poor. That is just over one wicket per Test. Siraj is fast going the Umesh Yadav way. A bowler who has pace and decent control but nevertheless, the wicket columns remains weak. Siraj also must realise that there are quite a few bowlers who are ready to step-in. The emergence of Akash Deep, who in his short career, he picked up wickets with the new ball in India, is a threat for him. There are already rumours that Akash Deep will replace Siraj in the 2nd Test. That will be his first warning.
With Shami unlikely to be part of the squad to Australia, Siraj will be part of the bowling attack but it remains to be seen how effective will he be.
Ravindra Jadeja, is he over the hill?
Jadeja’s stocks have dropped drastically. For 4 years, from 2018, he was exceptionally good with the bat. His highest score was achieved during this period. He calm assurance in the crease, sort of rubbed on the others. However, after 2021, his performance with the bat, dipped and dipped alarmingly. What complicates matters is that, his white-ball batting hasn’t been great either. He is in the midst of a slump that no one seems to notice. Yes, he still picks up wickets, especially in India but he is in the team as a batting all-rounder. He is expected to score runs and score consistently because in a side that is determined to play 5 bowlers, one of the all-rounder must score runs. He being the better batsman when compared to Ashwin, expectations are higher on him.
I do not know whether his place is under threat but I certainly hope that he feels the pressure.
Kohli
I have written enough about him. Alongwith Jadeja, I hope Kohli feels the pressure too. It has been 5 years since he has been consistent. If his best days are over, it is better he is treated as a mortal and place comes under increased scrutiny. I do believe that the Australian tour will be his final series if his performance not only improve but improve to the level what he is capable of.
Wrapping up the first Test debacle
Yeah, we have lost the first Test. It has happened before. Nothing to be worried about but these players will have to pull up their sleeves and show what they are made of.