Sanjay Manjrekar, the former cricketer and now prominent commentator, has made some intriguing selections in his predicted India XI for the first Test of the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, which will take place in Perth. The match, set to begin on November 22, will be crucial for both teams, and with India missing key players, Manjrekar’s choices provide a fresh perspective on how the squad should line up in these challenging conditions.
One of the most interesting inclusions in Manjrekar’s lineup is Abhimanyu Easwaran, who is expected to make his Test debut. Easwaran has been consistent at the first-class level, and Manjrekar believes his form warrants a chance at the top of the order, especially with regular opener Shubman Gill absent due to injury. Easwaran will partner with Yashasvi Jaiswal to form India’s opening pair. This partnership is expected to provide stability at the start of the innings, which will be vital in the fast-paced conditions of Perth.
The absence of Rohit Sharma for the first Test, due to personal reasons, has added another layer of uncertainty to the squad. However, Manjrekar has chosen to include Dhruv Jurel at number three, a decision that has surprised many. Jurel has been in good form with India A, impressing in warm-up games against Australia A, and Manjrekar’s selection reflects his belief that Jurel’s recent performances, particularly in Australian conditions, could make him a better fit than someone like KL Rahul, who has been inconsistent in recent months.
In the middle order, India’s strength lies in the presence of experienced players like Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. Kohli, as always, will play a critical role in anchoring the innings, while Pant’s aggressive batting style will add much-needed dynamism. Rahul’s place in the middle order is under some scrutiny, however, given his inconsistent form over the past year. This Test could be an important one for him to prove his credentials, with the pressure mounting on the talented batter to deliver when it matters the most.
Manjrekar’s choice of the bowling attack is perhaps the most unconventional aspect of his selection. Traditionally, Perth is known for offering bounce and pace, which is a dream for fast bowlers. However, Manjrekar has gone against convention by selecting two spin-allrounders: Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. Spinners are rarely seen as the first choice in conditions traditionally dominated by pace, but Manjrekar’s decision is based on the belief that both Jadeja and Sundar can exploit any turn that may exist, especially in the middle overs. Sundar’s ability with the bat also adds balance to the team, which might be crucial in a match where India could face periods of resistance from the Australian top order.
Washington Sundar’s inclusion comes after strong performances in recent Test matches, particularly against New Zealand, where he not only bowled well but also contributed crucial runs. Manjrekar has emphasized the importance of backing players who are in good form, regardless of whether they fit traditional roles. This gives Sundar an opportunity to show that he can adapt to the fast and bouncy conditions of Australia, even as a spin-bowling allrounder.
On the bowling front, India’s pace attack will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, who has returned to the Test squad after recovering from injury. Bumrah’s leadership will be essential for India, as he brings experience and expertise in Australian conditions, where pace bowlers often have the upper hand. Alongside Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, who has shown promise in previous Australian tours, will take the new ball, while Akash Deep is expected to complete the pace attack. Akash Deep has impressed in his recent outings for India, and Manjrekar’s confidence in his ability to adapt to the rigors of Test cricket highlights the faith the selectors have in him to deliver when called upon.
Despite the typical focus on fast bowlers in Perth, Manjrekar’s decision to select two spinners is a gamble, but one that could pay off if the conditions are right. Historically, India has had some success with spinners in Australia, with players like Anil Kumble and Virender Sehwag playing crucial roles in past Test victories. Manjrekar’s choice seems to acknowledge that conditions in Perth can sometimes surprise, offering turn on the fourth or fifth day, which could benefit India’s spinners.
In terms of leadership, Bumrah’s return as captain in Rohit Sharma’s absence is a critical development. Bumrah has established himself as one of the best fast bowlers in the world, and his leadership will be crucial in guiding the team through a tough series. As captain, Bumrah’s ability to manage the fast-bowling resources, especially in the face of a potent Australian attack, will be put to the test.
Sanjay Manjrekar’s selection reflects a balance between tradition and innovation. The inclusion of Easwaran and Jurel, the decision to go with two spinners, and the faith placed in the young fast bowlers like Akash Deep show that Manjrekar is willing to take calculated risks. His choices underscore the need to adapt to the conditions while also taking advantage of the form and experience of the players. It will be interesting to see how these selections fare in what promises to be a challenging Test series in Australia.