Team India’s Test Lineup Adjustments: Jaiswal’s Promising Role, Iyer’s Challenge, and Kohli’s Absence

With Virat Kohli opting out of the first two Tests against England, the responsibility now falls on premier batters KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, and Shubman Gill to fill the void left by the former Indian skipper in the upcoming high-profile series. Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar anticipates that skipper Rohit Sharma will provide India with productive starts, while expressing belief in opener Yashasvi Jaiswal’s potential to make a mark in the five-match Test series against England.

Gavaskar is optimistic about Jaiswal settling comfortably in home conditions, especially given his proficiency as a left-handed batter. The former India skipper expects the Rajasthan Royals (RR) opener to establish himself on the Test cricket map following the England series. Notably, Jaiswal, recently selected in the ICC’s T20I Team of the Year for 2023, boasts an impressive average of over 45 in the longest format for India.

“Yashasvi Jaiswal will easily settle in home conditions. He’s also a left-hander. I think he’ll establish himself completely in the Indian Test team after this series,” remarked Gavaskar to Star Sports. It’s worth noting that Gavaskar’s comments were made before India officially confirmed Kohli’s absence from the first two Tests against England due to personal reasons.

Shifting focus to Shreyas Iyer, Gavaskar highlighted the batter’s brilliant performance in Indian pitches during the World Cup and expressed hope that Iyer would replicate the same in the Test series. The veteran cricketer praised Iyer’s aggressive yet watchful approach and expects him to play at No.5 in the series.

Addressing concerns about Iyer’s short-ball troubles, Gavaskar acknowledged the challenges faced by the all-format batter against SENA countries but expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back. Iyer has played six innings against SENA nations, recording mixed scores and facing short-ball challenges.

As India prepares to face England in the 1st Test at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, questions arise about who will replace Kohli in the batting lineup. The absence of Kohli might lead to either Shreyas Iyer taking the No.4 slot or versatile KL Rahul playing as a pure batter against England. Additionally, Kohli’s brief exit could pave the way for KS Bharat to secure the spot as India’s first-choice wicketkeeper.