After suffering a 1-2 series defeat against South Africa in the rainbow nation, out-of-form senior India cricketers Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have been dropped for the upcoming two-Test home series against Sri Lanka starting in March.

While both Pujara and Rahane were part of the Indian cricket team’s several impressive Test series victories in the last decade, the duo have struggled with their form in the last two years.

Since the start of 2020, Rajkot-born Pujara could manage just 973 runs in 38 innings at an average of 26.29. Though the Saurashtra cricketer registered eight half-centuries during this time, his last century came during the 2018-19 tour of Australia.

Similarly, Rahane has also been short of runs for the last two years, amassing 819 runs in 35 innings at an average of 24.08 with three fifties and one century during this period.

 

The below-par performances from both Pujara and Rahane forced the selectors to take a harsh decision, leading to their removal from the Test squad.

Here we look at a few players who can permanently replace Pujara and Rahane in the Indian Test playing XI:

Hanuma Vihari

While Hanuma Vihari hasn’t been the most consistent since making his Test debut against England in 2018, the 28-year-old has impressed in his short international career and is expected to be given a longer run in the middle-order in the upcoming Test matches. So far, Vihari has scored 684 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 34.20 with four fifties and one century to his name. The right-hander also had a successful South Africa tour for India A, registering scores of 54, 72*, 63, and 13* besides making a fighting unbeaten 40 in the second innings of India’s second Test against South Africa last month. Considering Vihari’s solid technique, he could become a vital cog in the middle-order for years to come.

Shreyas Iyer

Mumbai cricketer Shreyas Iyer hogged the limelight after he slammed a hundred on his Test debut against New Zealand in Kanpur. Iyer became just the 16th Indian cricketer to register a ton in their debut Test match. The 27-year-old continued to impress in the series as he amassed 202 runs in two Tests at an impressive average of 50.50. He could be a perfect replacement for Ajinkya Rahane in the middle-order but it remains to be seen if Iyer can cash in on this opportunity and finally live up to his billing as one of Indian cricket’s brightest talents.

Shubman Gill

With captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul expected to open the innings for India in the longest format, the team management could utilize highly-rated Shubman Gill in the middle-order. The Punjab-born cricketer has already played some scintillating innings at the top of the order, scoring 558 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 32.82.

 

 

However, experts believe that with the kind of technique that Gill possesses, he might flourish batting in the middle-order in Test cricket. While he has mostly batted as an opener in his brief Test career so far, a move down to the middle order could be just what Gill needs to start flourishing and fulfill his promise as a batter in the Indian red-ball team.

Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal has performed exceedingly well when given an opportunity in the Indian Test set-up. The swashbuckling opener has accumulated 1429 runs in 19 Test matches at an average of 43.30. He has hit four tons as well as six half-centuries in his Test career so far and has performed in pressure situations and difficult conditions abroad. However, with Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul set to be the first choice openers in the Indian Test playing XI, Agarwal getting a spot at the top of the order seems highly unlikely although Rahane and Pujara’s exclusion may have just paved a way for him into the team at number five.

Featured photo: WILLIAM WEST /Patrick HAMILTON /Punit PARANJPE /AFP

Opener Shubman Gill is doubtful for at least the initial part of the Indian cricket team’s five-Test series against England with a leg injury. This means India will have to pick another opening partner for Rohit Sharma.

India have reserve openers in their Test squad in Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul, as also Abhimanyu Easwaran, who was picked as a standby opener but is now expected to be added to the main squad. Hanuma Vihari and Cheteshwar Pujara have also done opening duty for India in the past. We take a look at each of these options:

Mayank Agarwal

Agarwal was India’s first-choice Test opener for a couple of years after his debut against Australia in Melbourne in December 2018. However, successive scores of 17, 9, 0 and 5 on India’s next trip to Australia in 2020-21 led to Gill taking over the spot. Agarwal hasn’t played a Test since Brisbane in January, where he batted in the lower-middle order. On paper, he is the front-runner to take back his spot from the injured Gill.

KL Rahul

Rahul has the most opening experience among the reserves, and played all five Tests against England on the previous tour in 2018. Scores of 4, 13, 8, 10, 23, 36, 19, 0 and 37 were unimpressive, although he redeemed himself a bit with 149 in the fifth Test, by when the series had been lost. An average of 34.58 after as many as 36 Tests meant he lost his place, and has not played a Test match in two years.

Abhimanyu Easwaran

The Bengal opener is yet to make his debut for India, but he has played 14 first-class games for India ‘A�? He has also opened in red-ball cricket in England before, making 23 and 31 for India ‘A�?against West Indies ‘A�?in an unofficial Test in Taunton in 2018. Given Agarwal and Rahul’s presence in the squad, it is unlikely that Easwaran will get a look-in for the England Tests unless there is a freak injury or two.

Hanuma Vihari

After just four Test innings at the No. 6 position, Vihari was asked to open at Melbourne in 2018. He fought hard, surviving 111 deliveries in the match, creditable for a makeshift opener. India’s preference for five bowlers has limited the opportunities for him. His part-time off-spin can be handy at times. But India is unlikely to go for his part-time opening skills in England of all places. He presents a left-field option nonetheless.

Cheteshwar Pujara

Pujara averages an incredible 116 as Test opener, although only across six innings, and all of them in the Indian subcontinent. His steady approach has helped India win two Test series in Australia but there are questions over his effectiveness at No. 3 in England. An advantage of having Pujara open is that it will allow a busier batter such as Rahul or Agarwal to drive the innings forward at No. 3.

Featured photo: AFP / Glyn Kirk

Now that India have announced their squad of 15 players for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand, discussions have intensified about who should make the XI for the match starting on Friday in Southampton, England.

The omission of Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul from the 15 means it is now likely that Indian cricket team will open the batting with Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill. 

Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane are certainties at Nos. 3, 4 and 5. Further, Rishabh Pant is also expected to don the keeping gloves ahead of Wriddhiman Saha.

That leaves the composition of the bowling attack as the biggest variable at the moment. Fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are more or less sure to play, as is Ravichandran Ashwin as the lead spinner.

This means a couple of spots in India’s playing XI for the WTC final are still up for grabs. There have been reports that the team management is keen to get Mohammed Siraj in for the WTC final, and that Ishant Sharma is no longer guaranteed a spot.

Mohammad Siraj vs Ishant Sharma

Now Mohammed Siraj surely has an outstanding first-class record and had also taken a five-wicket haul in the Brisbane Test against Australia in January. He also has a slightly better first-class average when dismissing left-handers �?21.63 �?compared to Ishant’s 24.36. It can also be argued that Siraj brings more variety to the pace attack, in that he is more of a release-and-swing bowler than Ishant, Shami and Bumrah, all of whom are more of the hit-the-deck type.

Ishant Sharma has also been breaking down more and more of late, as the workload of years of Test cricket has started taking its toll. There is probably little chance of him being able to pull through all the five Tests against England in August and September.

However, when it comes to as big an occasion as the WTC final, who would you rather have in your XI: a veteran with the experience of 101 Tests or a five-Test old rookie?

Further, as Ishant Sharma has matured over the years, his record in England has got better and better. He averaged 27.21 in the 2014 series and 24.27 on the 2018 tour, and no Indian bowler has taken more wickets (43) than him in England.

Ravindra Jadeja vs Hanuma Vihari

This leaves only the final spot to be taken. The Rose Bowl pitch does have a reputation for taking spin later in the game if the weather remains sunny. It was Moeen Ali’s off-spin that had sent India crashing to a series defeat in 2018 against England here. That was in the first week of September, though, and we are in mid-June now, when the weather is usually wetter and the pitches fresher.

Southampton has had warm weather in recent days but rain is forecast on five of the six days designated for the WTC final. The maximum temperature is not expected to touch even 20 degrees. Such match-day conditions do not demand the inclusion of a second spinner. However, the pitch would surely have taken some baking in the sun leading up to the game.

It will be a tricky decision to make: whether to play Ravindra Jadeja ahead of Hanuma Vihari, who will be the sixth batsman and part-time off-spinner, leaving the bowling a bit thin. Knowing Virat Kohli, he will rather strengthen the bowling than the batting. Jadeja’s chances do appear brighter, and he and Ashwin will provide some batting depth for sure.

A left-field decision would be to play four specialist fast bowlers in Ishant, Shami, Bumrah and Siraj plus Ashwin as the lone spinner. India’s long tail will start at No 8 in that case, and increase the batting pressure on Pant and Ashwin; it is a risky call, but will also mean a fresher and more varied pace attack in what are likely to be helpful conditions.

India’s 15-member squad for WTC final: Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav

Featured photo: DAVID GRAY / Randy Brooks / William WEST /Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP

The 2021 Indian T20 League auction witnessed several records being smashed and some unexpected turns in Chennai.

While South Africa all-rounder Chris Morris clinched a record-breaking Rs 16.25 crore deal, there were some big names that failed to attract any bidders. 

CHRIS MORRIS BECOMES THE MOST EXPENSIVE OVERSEAS BUY AT AN #IPLAUCTION http://t.co/Yxu2cRfMLU pic.twitter.com/JyrP3s1z7d

�?ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) February 18, 2021

Among the big players who remained unsold were Hanuma Vihari, Gurkeerat Singh, Alex Hales, Jason Roy,  Shaun Marsh, and Sheldon Cottrell.

All these names have proved themselves either in international cricket or in the Indian T20 League. But unfortunately, all these players failed to make the cut. Here is the Unsold XI from this year's auction.

Best Unsold XI from 2021 Indian T20 League auction

Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Shaun Marsh, Hanuma Vihari, Gurkeerat Singh, Siddhesh Lad, Atit Sheth, Varun Aaron, Mohit Sharma, Sheldon Cottrell, Ankit Rajpoot

Meanwhile, Karnataka spin bowling all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham also hogged the limelight on Thursday as he was bought for a record Rs 9.25 crore by the Chennai franchise.

So Krishnappa Gowtham becomes the most expensive uncapped player ever #IPLAuction2021

�?Gautam Bhimani (@gbhimani) February 18, 2021

The likes of Glenn Maxwell, Kyle Jamieson, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith and Moeen Ali were amongst the biggest buys at the auction. 

We welcome the legend, Che #Bujji with a super cute applause from the auction hall! #WhistlePodu #SuperAuction pic.twitter.com/6RdJkKBy5O

�?Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 18, 2021

The highlight of the auction was when Chennai were applauded by other teams in the room for buying India's Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara for his base price of Rs 50 lakh, paving the way for his Indian T20 League return for the first time since 2014.

Feature image courtesy: SportsAdda

Despite the immense encouragement that Ajinkya Rahane-led Team India has gained from the epic Sydney Test draw, the visitors might just lack the personnel who could give fruition to what has been an unbelievable Australian tour for the Men in Blue.

After starting the Border Gavaskar Trophy with a humiliating eight-wicket loss in Adelaide, the Indian cricket team has shown grit, determination and adamance in keeping the four-match Test series alive by winning the Boxing Day Test match and drawing the last one in Sydney.

However, the never-ending injury woes might affect Team India’s chances of scripting an epic series win Down Under.

Jadeja, Vihari out of Brisbane Test 

Team India’s spectacular draw in Sydney was followed by a series of disappointing news as Hanuma Vihari and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the Brisbane Test against Australia. 

India’s Sydney Test saviour, Vihari has been ruled out after he had suffered a hamstring injury during his match-saving innings at the SCG.

India will also miss the services of their star all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who on Tuesday informed that he has undergone surgery after suffering a blow on his thumb during the Sydney Test. The southpaw will also miss the first two Test matches against England.

Out of action for a http://t.co/ouz0ilet9j completed. But will soon return with a bang! pic.twitter.com/Uh3zQk7Srn

�?Ravindrasinh jadeja (@imjadeja) January 12, 2021

Bumrah, Ashwin, Agarwal doubtful for the fourth Test at Gabba

Team India is also fretting over the availability of star off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who has aggravated his back spasms after battling for three hours on the final day, leaving little options for the visitors on the bench.

Jasprit Bumrah (side strain) out of 4th Test, Ashwin (battered and bruised during memorable match saving inning at Sydney) doubtful. With Jadeja and Vihari also out, what playing XI can India cobble together for Brisbane?

�?Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 12, 2021

Their bowling spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah, who was initially ruled out of the Brisbane Test, is now on the brink of return as batting coach Vikram Rathour has confirmed that the team's medical staff is monitoring his situation and a final call over his availability will be taken on the matchday itself.

"Medical team is working with Bumrah. We'll have to wait till tomorrow morning to see how he pulls up. If he can play great and if he can't we'll deal with it," batting coach Vikram Rathour said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.

"There's still a lot of injury concerns, they're still being monitored. All these questions can be answered only tomorrow morning," Rathour added.

To make things worse for India, Mayank Agarwal, who has been talked about as a potential playing XI candidate for the Brisbane Test, has sustained a knock on the hands and it could be a hairline fracture.

Previous injury woes

The visitors are already missing the services of fast bowlers Mohammed Shami and Umesh Yadav who have returned home after sustaining injuries in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy and are currently recuperating at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. 

 

On the other hand, first-choice pacer Ishant Sharma did not travel with the Indian team to Australia due to injury. 

Furthermore, ace batsman, KL Rahul has also returned to India with a wrist injury after the second Test in Melbourne. 

The Indian cricket team is also missing their regular skipper Virat Kohli who returned home to attend the birth of his child, born on Monday. 

What changes can India make for the fourth Test

With Vihari and Jadeja ruled out of the Brisbane Test, India could draft Wriddhiman Saha as regular wicketkeeper and play Rishabh Pant as the specialist batsman.

There is also a possibility that Kuldeep Yadav might return to the Test playing XI, replacing left-arm spinner Jadeja.

 

On the other hand, if Team India continue to play with five specialist batsmen and five bowlers, either Shardul Thakur or T Natarajan might be drafted into the playing XI if  Bumrah is unavailable.

India’s likely playing XI vs Australia in Brisbane Test

The Indian cricket team might continue to play with five specialist batsmen and five bowlers in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane.

India’s likely playing XI for Brisbane Test: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gil, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Shardul Thakur, Navdeep Saini, Mohammed Siraj.

Feature image courtesy: AEED KHAN / AFP

 

 

 

Contrasting fifties from Rishabh Pant and Cheteshwar Pujara, followed by an exemplary display of grit and determination by Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin helped the Indian cricket team pull off a draw for the ages against Australia in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Just when most thought that India were down and out, the Ajinkya Rahane-led side showed their true character. Despite having their backs on the wall for the majority of the Sydney Test, the visitors kept the Australians at bay on the fifth day and managed to save the third Test. 

Starting Day 5 on 98/2 and needing another 309 runs to script a historic win, Team India skipper Rahane fell just in the second over of the day. That is when most thought that Team India would succumb to the pressure. But Rishabh Pant had other plans. The southpaw, who was promoted up the order, swung the game in the visitors' favour. He initially spent some time in the middle but took Nathan Lyon to the cleaners once he got his eye in. Pant went on to make 97 off just 118 balls consisting of 3 sixes and 12 fours. That knock brought his team back in the game and also made India believe that they can go all the way and win it. An archetypal Rishabh Pant with a classic, ‘Live by the sword, die by the sword.�?Remember, Pant was hit on the elbow in the first innings and couldn’t keep wickets after that.

The century wasn't to be. But it is easily Pant's best test innings. You can't fault him the shot because it was many of those that offered a glimmer of victory when none believed it was possible.

�?Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 11, 2021

Once the wicketkeeper-batsman was dismissed, Pujara too followed suit. Since Ravindra Jadeja too had a broken thumb, Ashwin walked out to face the Australian attack. He along with Vihari faced 258 balls, batting for almost 4 hours, and helped India earn a memorable draw at the SCG.

Hanuma Vihari, earlier on, had pulled his hamstring while trying to sneak a run with Pujara. With the help of some strappings and pain killers, he put his mind over the body and stonewalled what is supposed to be the best bowling attack in the modern-day. Team India then played for a draw.

Vihari has been like Bahubali in battling pain and injury to play out almost 4 hours

�?Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 11, 2021

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood were handed the second new ball and they made sure to let the Indians know that they are still in the game. The duo peppered Vihari and Ashwin with some nasty stuff and created opportunities that weren’t grabbed. To sum it all up, the Indians faced racism, criticism, sledging, and injuries but still managed to pull off what feels like a win.

Meanwhile, Twitter showered praise as Team India registered a stunning draw at the SCG.

62 unbeaten runs in 256 balls, with both playing through injuries

What a performance from this duo!#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/ZKEQS3BgPx

�?ICC (@ICC) January 11, 2021

Loved the fight and determination of India all day today. Starting with Pant and Pujara, and then for Vihari and Ashwin to withstand Australia and look largely in control for most of the day was very impressive. Can't wait for Brisbane now. #AUSvIND

�?Ricky Ponting AO (@RickyPonting) January 11, 2021

Even a half-strength, battled, bruised, injured, ridiculed, abused, bio-bubble fatigued India is difficult for a full strength Australia to beat at home. No praise high enough for this herculean effort. Told you this is a damn good team. Cherish it.
#AUSvsIND http://t.co/FT0eFgiau0

�?Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 11, 2021

What a remarkable performance by Team India. Once again great show of resilience under grave provocation, spate of injuries and several key players missing. Bravo! #AUSvsIND

�?VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 11, 2021

Great effort India to draw the Test, tremendous courage and grit shown by the guys especially Pujara, Pant, Vihari and Ash

�?Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 11, 2021

Am standing and applauding Vihari & Ashwin. This has been one of the most spectacular, brave and resilient partnerships I’ve had the privilege of watching #RealSteel #AUSvIND @Hanumavihari @ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/7KrfrtVwxf

�?Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) January 11, 2021

What a test...India have shown remarkable resilience and fight to keep the series very much alive! #AUSvIND

�?Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 11, 2021

Vihari-Ashwin pull of heist. Vihari with a career saving innings has shown his class. Losing just 3 wkts on the fifth day speaks volumes. Take a bow, champs. This is one of the top most draws technically on par with a few overseas victories #DoddaMathu #AUSvIND

�?ದೊಡ್�?ಗಣೇಶ�?| Dodda Ganesh (@doddaganesha) January 11, 2021

Hats of to both @Hanumavihari and @ashwinravi99 to draw the test! A lot has to be said about vihari for his grit and determination even after being injured! This knock is as good as any hundred in test cricket! Ashwin always had the talent to be a main allrounder! #AUSvsIND

�?Kris Srikkanth (@KrisSrikkanth) January 11, 2021

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan

A fabled display from the likes of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin salvaged a hard-fought draw for the Indian cricket team in the third Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia in Sydney.

After ending Day 4 at 98/2, India made a stunning comeback through Cheteshwar Pujara and Rishabh Pant as the duo took India from 102/3 to 250/4. Although Pant missed out on his ton and Pujara was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood, the batsmen following them had enough fuel in their tanks to last the entire Day 5.

The game swung in Australia’s way, especially after the tea break. The home team launched a barrage of bouncers which, without a shadow of a doubt, took Ashwin to the cleaners. The Indian off-spinner, however, showed grit while an injured Vihari remained adamant at the other end to forge an unbeaten 62-run partnership off 259 balls to snatch the game right from the death.

A historic game as this was bound to produce some interesting numbers, and here we take a look at few statistics:

Steve Smith: A bane for India

After a few disappointing outings in the first two Tests, former captain Steve Smith was back among runs in Sydney, tallying 212, including a ton and a half-century. It was Smith’s 27th Test century, and a whopping eight of them have come against India which is the joint-most Test tons against India.

Most Test tons vs IND
Player	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	Ave	100	50
GS Sobers (WI)	18	30	7	1920	83.47	8	7
SPD Smith (AUS)	13	26	4	1651	75.04	8	4
RT Ponting (AUS)	29	51	4	2555	54.36	8	12
IVA Richards (WI)	28	41	3	1927	50.71	8	7

Smith is now the fourth Australian to score two fifty-plus scores in the same Test against India on three or more times, with only Ricky Ponting managing it more (four) times. A further bifurcation in Smith’s figures reveals that he has scored a whopping 27.79% of his Test runs in Australia against India (991/3566).

Smith partnered with Marnus Labuschagne to play two 100+ runs stands in the third Test. The duo now has five century-run stands in 12 innings since 2019, which is the most by any pair during this time.

Most century stands by a pair in Tests since 2019
Partners	Inns	NO	Runs	Ave	100	50
M Labuschagne, SPD Smith (AUS)	12	0	820	68.33	5	2
RJ Burns, JE Root (ENG)	10	0	710	71.00	4	1
M Labuschagne, DA Warner (AUS)	9	0	892	99.11	4	2

Cheteshwar Pujara: Australia’s eternal nemesis

While the likes of Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were rightly applauded for their heroic efforts, one cannot underestimate the contribution made by Cheteshwar Pujara. The top-order batsman scored 127 runs in the Sydney Test and faced 205 balls alone in the second innings. Overall, Pujara played 381 balls in the game, which is the fourth most for him in a Test match.

Most balls faced by Pujara in a Test match
Bat1	Bat2	Runs	BF	Opposition	Ground	Start Date
202	-	202	525	v Australia	Ranchi	16-Mar-17
123	71	194	450	v Australia	Adelaide	06-Dec-18
206*	41*	247	440	v England	Ahmedabad	15-Nov-12
50	77	127	381	v Australia	Sydney	07-Jan-21
193	-	193	373	v Australia	Sydney	03-Jan-19

Pujara scored half-centuries in both the innings of the match, and both of them are two of this slowest fifties in terms of balls faced.

• 174 balls vs AUS, 1^st Innings, Sydney,2021
• 173 balls vs SA, Johannesburg, 2018
• 170 balls vs AUS, 2^nd innings, Sydney, 2021

Note that this is only the fifth instance where he has managed a fifty-plus score in both the innings of the Tests; three of such instances have come against the Aussies.

Since 2018, Pujara has accumulated 711 runs in Australia, which is the fourth-best return by any batsman with a minimum of 500 Down Under. The 32-year-old has scored at an average of 54.69 and has scored three half-centuries and as many tons.

India’s hard-fought effort

India were put on to chase a mammoth target of 407 runs across four sessions. While many thought it would be an easy win for Australia, the Indian batsmen showed grit to draw the contest by playing a whopping 131 overs. This is the fourth-most overs (first in Australia) India have played in the fourth innings of a drawn Test.

Overall, in Australia, the 131 overs India played is the second-most overs a team has played in the 4th innings of a Test.

Most overs batted by a team to draw a Test in AUS in this century
Team	Score	Overs	Result	Opposition	Ground	Start Date
South Africa	248/8	148	draw	v Australia	Adelaide	22 November 2012
India	334/5	131	draw	v Australia	Sydney	07 January 2021
South Africa	287/5	126	draw	v Australia	Perth	16 December 2005
Australia	381/7	110	draw	v New Zealand	Perth	30 November 2001
Australia	357/6	94	draw	v India	Sydney	02 January 2004

Vihari and Ashwin’s effort will go down as one of the toughest defences by the Indian batsmen in away conditions. Once Pujara was dismissed, Australia had the game in the bag. A couple of fielding errors, however, gave the duo a lifeline, and they made no mistake in pouncing on the opportunity. Their partnership of 62 runs of 259 balls is the second-best sixth-wicket stand in the fourth innings for India in an away Test.

Most balls faced by a 6th wicket stand in the 4th innings of the Test for IND in away Tests
Partners	Runs	Balls	Opposition	Ground	Start Date
RR Pant, KL Rahul	204	267	v England	The Oval	07 September 2018
R Ashwin, GH Vihari	62*	259	v Australia	Sydney	07 January 2021
MS Dhoni, VVS Laxman	86	172	v England	Lord's	19 July 2007
MS Dhoni, SK Raina	60	110	v England	Lord's	21 July 2011
VVS Laxman, SK Raina	87*	102	v Sri Lanka	Colombo (PSS)	03 August 2010

On a personal note, Vihari, who scored an unbeaten 23, faced a whopping 161 balls despite being injured and this is the third most number of balls India’s #6 batsman has faced in the fourth innings of an away Test.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Saeed Khan

The Indian team will miss their skipper Virat Kohli in the last three matches of their Test series against Australia as he will fly back to India to attend the birth of his first child. Here we shall take a look at three players who have the ability to fill Kohli's void at the number four slot in the Test team.

KL Rahul

The Karnataka batsman has played as an opener in 90 percent of his total of 60 Test innings for India so far but he has shown in the past that he has the ability to adapt, and that too across different formats. In fact, Rahul has had his issues against the swinging red cherry at the start of the innings in recent times. So, a switch to the middle-order might help him re-establish his place in the Indian middle-order once again. He had a stellar Indian T20 League season as well during which he ended up as the highest run-getter. Rahul showed the will and temperament to bat through the innings during the tournament and that is an extremely important attribute for the demands of the No. 4 role in Tests as well.

• AUS vs IND: Australia Test squad for India’s 2020-21 tour announced

Hanuma Vihari

He is the most natural option to shoulder the responsibilities of this position. Vihari has batted in the middle-order throughout his domestic career and has a very good record in the limited number of Tests he has played as well. In his 12 innings at No. 6 for India, Vihari has amassed a total of 512 runs at an excellent average 46.54, which includes a century and four fifties too. So these numbers make a good case for him doing well at No. 4. Vihari is gritty, bides his time at the crease but doesn't fail to latch on to any bad delivery that comes his way.

• Border-Gavaskar Trophy: The epic history of India vs Australia Test series

Cheteshwar Pujara

If the team management decides to play both Rahul and Gill inside the top three along with Mayank Agarwal, they might shift Pujara to No. 4. That move makes sense too, as he has the experience required to meet the demands of the role. Pujara had a stellar outing during his last visit to Australia as he was the highest run-getter in the Test series, with a massive total of 521 runs to his name. That confidence should serve him well to handle the responsibilities of this role. As far as his overall record in Australia goes, he has 722 runs to his name at an outstanding average of 55.53.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Peter Parks

 

In his four knocks in India's tour of West Indies, Hanuma Vihari walked in at 93/4, 187/4, 164/4 and 57/4. All happen to completely contrasting scenarios, yet Vihari went on to make 32, 93, 111 and 53*. Not for once did he look like he didn't belong. Not for once did he appear to be uncomfortable at the crease 

It is also worth noting that each time he was dismissed or left the crease, India were in a much more assured position in the game than when he walked in.

Such is India's strength in the top-order that lower middle-order batsmen, particularly in Tests at home or against significantly weaker sides abroad, and their contributions are often neglected.

But in Vihari's case, it has been different. He was recognised as a fine Test player in England when he made a fighting half-century on debut at the Oval. In Australia, the belief strengthened when he adjusted to team demands and opened the innings alongside Mayank Agarwal.

He might not have scored runs, but Vihari showed good technique and temperament at the top. As such, when he was chosen alongside Ajinkya Rahane at West Indies, we accepted gleefully.

The kind of performance he put in during that tour should have ideally sealed his place in the Test side for long. Instead, after making 10 in 24 balls in his only outing in the first Test at Vizag, Vihari was dropped from the Test side for the rest of the series.

No, Rahane wasn't sitting out either. The experienced middle-order batsman played the remaining Tests and even found considerable success but there's nothing to suggest Vihari wouldn't have done the same while offering a bit of part-time off-spin.

The one weakness Vihari possibly has is against the short ball. Ben Stokes in England and Pat Cummins in Australia tested him and won his wicket with the bouncer. But in home conditions, where his solitary Test remains the one against South Africa, Vihari is more likely to succeed than Rahane, who has a rather notable weakness against spin.

In fact, while an overall look at Rahane and Vihari's career gives pretty much similar averages, in recent times, the experienced Rahane hasn't had as much success at International level. Since 2017, Rahane has a Test average of 38.7 with three hundreds in 29 Tests.

Vihari, on the other hand, averages 42.36 with a hundred and three fifties. His opportunities have not just been few and far between, but also batting time has been limited due to a highly imperious top-order.

In the chances he has had, Vihari has shown great potential. In fact, recent record suggests he should be playing ahead of Rahane in the Test XI. However, the management has chosen the experience of Rahane with Vihari in danger of going down the Karun Nair route.                                  

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Randy Brooks

India completed another crushing victory over the West Indies, demolishing the home side by 257 runs on the fourth afternoon of the second and final Test at Sabina Park in Jamaica on Monday.

Set the improbable target of 468 late on day three, the home side tumbled in the post-lunch session, losing their last six wickets for 51 runs as they were dismissed for 210 to hand Virat Kohli's side a clean sweep of a Test series in the Caribbean for the first time ever.

This result also completed a 100 percent record for the tourists in all completed matches played on this tour. The 2-0 Test series triumph followed a 3-0 success in the T20 Internationals and a 2-0 victory in the One-Day Internationals, with one match ruined by rain.

Pacer Mohammed Shami and spinner Ravindra Jadeja took three wickets each as the Indians once again had too many varied weapons for the home side.

Shamarh Brooks completed a maiden Test half-century but it was little consolation for West Indies captain Jason Holder who was last out, bowled by Jadeja for 39 to trigger the Indian celebrations.

Read | Bumrah becomes third Indian to take Test hat-trick

"This was pretty comprehensive again for us," said Kohli in assessing his team's dominant performance yet again. "We played good cricket and getting the result in the manner you want is crucial as a team. This is a real collective effort."

Amid the jubilation there was concern for the welfare of key West Indies batsman Darren Bravo, who retired hurt on 23 just 15 minutes into the day's play. He was eventually replaced by Jermaine Blackwood in the team according to the game's new concussion protocol.

Resuming his innings in partnership with Brooks with the score at 45 for two, Bravo appeared to be feeling unwell and was attended to and subsequently led off the field on his own steam.

He was struck on the back of the helmet by fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah during the final over of the third day's play and continued batting for the remaining three deliveries of the day after receiving treatment.

Australian Marnus Labuschagne was the first concussion replacement in the history of the game last month when he replaced Steve Smith during the second innings of the second Test against England at Lord's after Smith was struck on the neck by fast bowler Jofra Archer.

Blackwood was called into duty within minutes of being drafted into the team after Shimron Hetmyer fell to yet another poor shot, caught at extra-cover to give fast bowler Ishant Sharma his second wicket of the innings.

With Bravo and Blackwood both batting in the same innings, it gave West Indies the first 12-batsman Test scorecard under the protocol.

Earlier Roston Chase was the first wicket to fall in the day after coming to the crease when Bravo went off, being trapped leg-before by Jadeja.

Blackwood dominated a 61-run fifth-wicket partnership with Brooks but when the attacking right-hander became Bumrah's only wicket of the innings via a catch at the wicket, it signalled the beginning of the end of the West Indies resistance with Brooks' own carelessness contributing to his demise as he was run out by a direct hit from the effervescent Kohli.

"We've got lots of problems with the batting," said a despondent Holder. "It's a tough question as to how we fix this situation. There is quite a bit of time before our next Test so it's up to the players to take ownership of the situation."

Despite the dominance of the Indian bowlers, it was batsman Hanuma Vihari who earned the "Man of the Match" award for his maiden Test hundred in the first innings, which he followed with an unbeaten half-century in the second to help hasten Kohli's declaration on the third afternoon.

Feature image courtesy: AFP / Randy Brooks