Dhoni contemplates Jadeja replacement
The absence of a genuine all-rounder is a genuine concern for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, ahead of India's first Test against the West Indies in Kolkata, which will get underway on Wednesday.
The absence of a genuine all-rounder is a genuine concern for captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni, ahead of India's first Test against the West Indies in Kolkata, which will get underway on Wednesday.
Spinner Ravindra Jadeja would have fulfilled the role, but has been rested after injuring a shoulder recently. His omission has left the hosts' batting and bowling resources depleted at Eden Gardens.
"It has been a bit of a concern. I've always said that we need good seam bowler or a frontline spinner who can bat a bit. At times you don't realise the importance of a particular player. People criticise so much," said Dhoni.
"Now that we don't have Jadeja we are thinking whether to have a fifth bowler or maybe another spinner who can bat a bit. Then the batting will become thin. We will have to find someone to do the job. It's always good to have a plan B or C."
Batsmen Rohit Sharma and Ajinka Rahane are vying for the number six berth, with the former favourite afte scoring a record-breaking double-century in the seventh and final ODI against Australia recently.
"Well the thing is whether we want to go with four bowlers or have a fifth to the attack, or someone who can bowl a bit if needed. That's one major decision. Though the decision is one, it's divided into three different aspects," added Dhoni.
"If we go with five bowlers, both of them – Rohit and Rahane – may not play. If we need someone who can bowl a bit of off-spin then Rohit plays. Thirdly, if we go with four specialist bowlers, Ajinkya stays."
The talented Cheteshwar Pujara, meanwhile, has cemented a permanent posiition in the Test XI – in the wake of the veteran VVS Laxman and Rahul Dravid's retirements. The right-hander has amassed 1180 runs in 22 innings at the impressive average of 65.55 since debuting against the Aussies in 2010.
"Pujara is a very calm and composed and technically sound. He has played a lot of domestic cricket with some really long innings. He is really contained but aggressive against spinners. He is more about piercing the gap and does not hit more fours and sixes. He knows his limitations and the experience of first class cricket helps him," concluded Dhoni.
Latest
-
News
On this day in 2018: Australian trio banned after ball-tampering saga
The trio were handed their punishments on March 28, 2018.
-
County Cricket
Surrey stars eager to help Alec Stewart sign off with more silverware
Stewart has guided Surrey to three County Championship wins during his decade in charge.
-
Women's Cricket
Maia Bouchier smashes 91 as England Women seal T20 series victory
England made 177 for three and then restricted New Zealand to 130 for seven.
-
County Cricket
Yorkshire boosted by Harry Brook and Joe Root’s early-season availability
Both players are not at the Indian Premier League.
-
England
Ollie Pope ‘itching’ to get back scoring runs after ‘frustrating’ tour of India
The England vice-captain hit a superb 196 in Hyderabad, but averaged only 14.75 in the next four Tests of the India series.
-
Women's Cricket
Ellyse Perry says Ashes Test at MCG ‘amazing’ but unsure about four-day return
Australia will host England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in the Women’s Ashes early next year.
-
County Cricket
Harry Brook set to return for start of Yorkshire’s County Championship campaign
Brook withdrew from England’s Test tour of India in January due to personal reasons.
-
England
England spinner Tom Hartley expects his exploits in India to be ‘life changing’
Hartley’s second-innings haul of seven for 62 in Hyderabad delivered one England’s greatest ever overseas victories.
-
Women's Cricket
Heather Knight urges more composure from England after New Zealand collapse
The tourists needed just 29 from 29 balls with eight wickets in hand.
-
Australia
On this day in 2018: Australia ‘sandpapergate’ ball-tampering controversy erupts
The incident led to Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft being banned from playing for Australia.