Spin problems: In Indian cricket and the World Cup

India’s unassailable form in their cricket backyard was repeated as Rohit Sharma’s men retained the Border Gavaskar Trophy with a 2-1 win in the recent four-Test series against Australia. The bigger picture, however, was the battle to qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final at Londons Oval on 7 June. A clear margin of victory in the two Tests was essential, but the Aussies prevailed in Indore and reduced the deficit as Ahmedabad’s flat surface hinted at the inevitable run-soaked draw. Another contender Sri Lanka was included after Australia had already sealed their place. Fortunately for India, Kane Williamson’s master class helped New Zealand secure a thrilling last-ball sweep of Sri Lanka in Christchurch. Sri Lanka’s defeat proved to be a welcome bonus for India, who qualified immediately, even as the Ahmedabad Test meandered towards a stalemate. After losing to New Zealand in the 2021 final in Southampton, India’s aim this time was to first qualify and then rectify the ICC title drought in their cupboard at the BCCI office in Mumbai. India last won the ICC title when they won the Champions Trophy in Birmingham in 2013. Later, India have failed in both Test whites and blue hues in the playoffs.

A win against Australia should keep India in good stead, but when the rivals meet at a neutral venue at the WTC summit, there will be no turning square for the planners. Tests ending within three days of the first ball on deteriorating pitches does not bode well for cricket’s longest form. Ahmedabad in its five match days was an exception, but when India travel abroad, pace rules. With spearhead Jasprit Bumrah recovering from surgery, there are some concerns and the two of Mohammed Shami and Siraj need to lift the pace attack in addition to Umesh Yadav. Rohit, Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara were back among the runs in the most recent series against Australia and with Shubman Gill showing good form, there is hope that these batsmen can thrive at the Oval. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja had heaps of points and it remains to be seen whether India will play both or just one in the WTC final. The quiet headache is that the core group of Rohit, Kohli, Pujara, Ashwin and Jadeja are in their mid-30s and transition is inevitable. But before that is a three-match ODI series against Australia, followed by the Indian Premier League: India fly to England in June.

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