The India-New Zealand series will help India identify the template with which they want to play the game. They will also be looking to provide players opportunities at specialised places. This series will also test a few players who have a lot to prove. It might well prove to be their last chance to stay in contention in this format. Here are 5 Players For Whom The NZ Series Might Be Their Last Chance
We look at 5 Players For Whom The NZ Series Might Be Their Last Chance
#5 Jayant Yadav
Jayant Yadav made a sensational debut for India in Tests in the home series against England in 2016-17. He even scored an attractive century in his maiden test series. But after a disappointing game against Australia on a rank turner, Yadav fell off the radar.
He has been a constant presence in the domestic circuit and IPL. His patience has been rewarded with a place in the Test squad. But if he does manage to get a chance and fails to capitalise on that, it might be curtains on his career.
#4 Wriddhiman Saha
Wriddhiman Saha has arguably been India’s best Test wicketkeeper in the last decade. He has been phenomenal behind the stumps. But Rishabh Pant’s emergence and heroics in Australia has pushed him to the sidelines. This series may still see Saha starting in the playing XI. But underwhelming performance in this series might cost him big time.
#3 Ishant Sharma
Ishant Sharma has been India’s biggest workhorse in Test cricket. He has relentlessly given his best for India in whites. He turned around the corner in 2018 post his county stint. Sharma had been a major force since. But he surprisingly looked out of sorts in the 3rd Test against England in Leeds. His career will be on the line in this home series.
#2 Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar looked lackluster in the solitary game he played against Pakistan in the World Cup. He has suffered for far too long with injuries hampering him big time. Kumar being retained in the T20 squad against New Zealand itself was a big boost for him. But he would do well to cement his spot.
#1 Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane had a horrendous away series against England. He looked completely at sea with both technique and temperament. There were many people who were asking to drop Rahane post the 3rd Test. But the Indian team persisted with him. Rahane failed miserably in the 4th Test too. If not for the cancelled 5th Test, Rahane’s Test career may well have been as good as over. He gets another chance to prove his worth in this series.
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