India’s Test team is currently navigating a significant phase of change. The departure of senior figures such as Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin has left notable gaps in the lineup. These retirements mark the end of an era for the side.

With these experienced players no longer in the mix, the team faces the challenge of reshaping its core. New and emerging talents are being given opportunities to step up, but filling the shoes of such legends is no easy task. Leadership, stability, and consistent performances will be key in the coming years.

This period represents both a challenge and an opportunity for Indian cricket. While the team must adapt to life without its long-time stalwarts, it also allows for the development of a fresh group of match-winners. The transition phase will test the squad’s depth and resilience in the longest format.

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Team India Needs to Fill Some Blanks:

The rise of promising talents like Washington Sundar and Yashasvi Jaiswal has given India a boost during this transition phase. Their readiness for the longest format has eased some pressure, but gaps still remain, particularly in the batting lineup and pace attack.

Given this situation, Gautam Gambhir and his support staff must focus on selecting the right players to nurture. Backing them consistently and providing enough opportunities will be crucial for these cricketers to prove themselves at the highest level. A steady run in the side will help build confidence, experience, and the stability India needs as it rebuilds for future Test challenges.

Team India Should Support Some Potential Players:

With India’s Test side in a rebuilding phase, certain players deserve consistent support to help them settle and perform. Providing them with time and opportunities will allow their talent to flourish and contribute to the team’s stability. Here are three such cricketers who should be backed strongly during this transition period.

• Prasidh Krishna

Prasidh Krishna has faced criticism for his Test performances, with an economy rate nearing five and a bowling average close to 35. These figures highlight the challenges he has encountered so far, but with the right backing and guidance, he still has the potential to improve and become a more effective contributor to India’s bowling attack.

Prasidh Krishna is still in the early stages of his Test career, with only six matches under his belt. At 29, he entered the international arena with limited first-class experience and has also battled multiple serious injuries. With time and consistent opportunities, he has the ability to develop into one of India’s finest fast bowlers.

He belongs to a rare group of Indian pacers who possess world-class potential. In the recent Test series against England, he recorded the highest average of induced false shots, even surpassing Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. His steady growth in different aspects of bowling makes it crucial for the team management to give him full support and the confidence to perform at the highest level.

• Sai Sudarshan

Sai Sudharsan, who made his Test debut in the recent series against England, scored one half-century in six innings. While he couldn’t fully capitalise on his opportunities, he displayed flashes of his talent and the promise he holds for the future. His performances hinted at the composure and skill needed at the highest level.

A stylish left-hander with a solid technique, Sai is comfortable facing both pace and spin. His experience of producing quality innings in testing domestic conditions makes him a strong contender for the challenging No. 3 spot in Test cricket. With patience and consistent backing, he has the potential to become a dependable pillar in India’s batting lineup.

• Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav boasts an impressive Test record, yet his place in the Indian XI has often been uncertain. The team’s focus on strengthening batting depth has limited his opportunities, preventing him from becoming a regular starter despite his proven skills and ability to make a difference with the ball in longer formats.

Kuldeep Yadav did not feature at all during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, even on surfaces that seemed ideal for his style. As a left-arm wrist-spinner, he has delivered consistently in Tests and has the skill set to win matches in diverse conditions. With proper support from the management, he could establish himself as a game-changer.

After Ashwin’s retirement, Kuldeep was tipped to take on a bigger role in the side. While Washington Sundar’s rise has slightly reduced that expectation, the 30-year-old still brings immense value. If given more responsibility and a consistent run, he has the potential to be one of India’s leading bowling options in the longest format.