A major revelation from a senior BCCI official has divulged that India’s tour of South Africa might be the final chapter in the international careers of three of their most senior players, should they fail to make a significant impact, as per a report from The Indian Express.
The 33-year old Sharma, who has had a bit of a dry run in recent times, is likely to be replaced by the many younger pacers who are making waves in the domestic circuit. He was unable to take a single wicket in the First Test against New Zealand before getting injured, rendering him incapable of taking the field for the second Test. The BCCI official has made it clear that he will make way if his run of underwhelming performances continues.
Middle-order mainstays Rahane and Pujara are also under fire for similar reasons, as they have both failed to make a significant contribution in quite some time now, often failing when needed the most. Rahane, who has had a dismal year so far, averages below 20 and also is clearly facing some technical issues. In addition to this, he has also been stripped of his responsibility as vice-captain, with Rohit Sharma taking the reins.
Pujara has been a shadow of his former self and seems unable to make the big scores that he used to do so often in the past. India’s Number three has looked extremely unsettled at the crease, and therefore it comes as no surprise that he is being dropped, with a number of players in the race for his spot.
Disappointment in the South Africa tour will most likely result in the termination of three extraordinary careers, as per multiple reports. A senior official from the BCCI was quoted as saying:
“Rahane’s removal as vice-captain is a clear warning signal to him. As a senior member in the side, he needs to contribute more. The same is true for Pujara also. He too has been around for a long time and now the team expects him to play those crucial knocks in big games.
In case they score and have a significant impact on the series, they might be able to extend their Test careers. But in the case of Ishant, this could be it.”
The team management has also made it amply clear that big scores are required of Rahane and Pujara, and that 40s and 50s will not make the cut. Pujara and Rahane face stiff competition from Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, and Shubman Gill.
Iyer had a fantastic debut, making a century in the first innings and also scoring in excess of 50 in the next. Vihari was also in fine form, as he average 75.67, having played for India ‘A’ in South Africa.
Sharma is in even greater danger, with a number of fast bowlers itching to take his place. Sharma has lost his role as the lead bowler in the Indian attack to Jasprit Bumrah and now faces competition from Prasidh Krishna, Arzan Nagwaswalla, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, and Deepak Chahar.
It will be a tense situation for the trio as there will be a close eye on their every move. The three will have to pull a rabbit out of the hat to save their places, which will make for a very compelling watch.
