India should look to play specialists in every format

India should look to play specialists in every format

With growth of the newest and shortest format of the game, the horses for courses approach has become increasingly prevalent. For example, South Africa have handpicked different captains for the three formats, understanding that each one requires unique and specialised skills. Suraj Choudhari reckons India too should opt for specialists in every format.

The game has evolved and the level of competition has dramatically risen up leaving no room for error. Champion Test teams like Australia, England and South Africa have identified players for every format. But India seems to have been late in accepting and adapting to the changes of a fast evolving game.

For instance, a player like Cheteshwar Pujara has done enough to cement his position in the Test squad. His style of play is suitable for Test format; management shouldn’t fiddle with his potential by playing him in shorter formats. In 2014 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) he was seen opening the batting for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), which has affected his natural instincts as a result of which paid the price on two overseas tours last year. Another classic example, which can be taken into consideration, is of Mohammed Shami, who is injury prone and should be kept away from Twenty20 (T20) format. One needn’t explain his effectiveness with the ball when he’s fully fit. Ishant Sharma too has proved his prowess in Tests but he looks bereft of oomph when it comes to limited-overs. Fitness is a problem for him too. Bhuvneshwar Kumar should entirely focus on shorter formats as he his much more efficient with the white ball.

Rohit Sharma possesses indisputable talent but his runs column reflects otherwise. He has done reasonably well in shorter formats, which is where his services should be sought. His style of play appears unequipped to handle the rigours of Test cricket. He lacks temperament, which is a key ingredient to succeed in Test cricket. Pujara is the best contender and indubitably the right man in Test cricket ahead of Rohit.

Murali Vijay is another typical example of someone who has flirted with different formats. He never did justice to his selection in the shorter formats. In 17 sporadic ODI appearances he averages just 21.18 and breached the 50 run mark only on one occasion.  KL Rahul is another talent who fits into the scheme for longer formats. Though he hasn’t really lived up to his reputation, he has shown enough promise at the top level.

Everyone knows how impactful Suresh Raina is in coloured outfits but as soon as he dons the whites the same confidence and ability goes for a toss. There isn’t a paucity of talent in India, in fact there is a profusion of cricketing flair but often the right people aren’t picked for the right format. It is possible that because India had one man in charge of T20, ODIs and Tests, the thought process was one-dimensional. Dhoni was a staunch believer that the transition from either format to the other was purely mental, which was slightly misguided in the case of Raina, Rohit, Vijay and some of the bowlers. Man management is the issue, which needs to be addressed.

Management has done a remarkable job by letting Kohli lead the Test format. Now with Kohli in command, one can expect these alterations to make their way into India’s modus operandi. Dhoni’s a reactive captain with an eye for shorter format talent, while Kohli has been far more proactive and already tasted overseas success in Tests. So why not let the momentum keep flowing? If Dhoni can marshal the team with supremacy in shorter formats and Kohli can replicate the same with the red cherry it makes so much sense to go with the flow.

There are certain exemptions like Kohli, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravichandran Ashwin, Amit Mishra, Umesh Yadav and Ajinkya Rahane who can alter their game according to the demanded situation due to their immaculate versatility and shine across every format. Whereas players like Manish Pandey, Axar Patel, Kedar Jadhav, Ambati Rayudu, Shreyas Iyer who possesses immense talent to transcend in shorter formats. They should be groomed in that manner.

Successful teams have benefitted from this approach and with the current demands, it seems to be the right way for India too. If India are eyeing for a higher Test ranking and outrun other teams in every format, this is the best thing they can opt for. As talent is available like fishes in the ocean but the fishermen (management) should know which fish is capable swimming in deep-waters and which cannot.

(Suraj Choudhari, an avid cricket follower who plays the sport at club level, is a staffer with Criclife)