India Cautiously Approach Home Test Series Despite Dominant Record, Rohit Sharma Says India Beatable at Home
India may possess a fortress-like record at home, but captain Rohit Sharma remains wary of complacency as they prepare to clash with Ben Stokes’ England in a five-test series starting Thursday.
Since a 2-1 defeat to Alastair Cook’s England in 2012-13, India have reigned supreme on home soil, racking up 16 consecutive test series victories. Despite this imposing record, Rohit dismissed any notion of invincibility.
“No, no, not at all,” Rohit countered when asked if victory was a foregone conclusion for India. “Sport changes quickly, and past achievements offer no guarantee. We are definitely beatable”
His aim, he emphasized, is to keep his team grounded and focused on the challenge ahead. “We can’t afford to take England lightly,” he acknowledged. “They’re a quality side, playing exciting test cricket under Brendon McCullum’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ philosophy.”
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England’s unorthodox strategy, featuring Mark Wood as their lone fast bowler in the series opener, presents a unique test for India’s formidable spin duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. While Rohit confirmed the pair would lead the charge, he remained coy about the identity of their third spinner, keeping Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav in suspense.
Another intriguing decision surrounds the wicketkeeper’s role. KL Rahul, who donned the gloves at the 50-over World Cup, will not be taking over behind the stumps, leaving Rohit uncharacteristically tight-lipped about his choice between Srikar Bharat and the uncapped Dhruv Jurel.
With a turning track predicted for the series opener, selecting a specialist appears the logical move. The onus, however, lies on Rohit to unlock the right combination and keep India’s remarkable home streak alive against a revitalized England side eager to rewrite the narrative.
The first test begins in Hyderabad on Thursday, with all eyes on how India respond to England’s unconventional approach and navigate the uncertainties surrounding their own lineup. Whether Rohit’s cautious pragmatism prevails over England’s audacious ‘Bazball’ remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this battle for test supremacy promises to be a captivating spectacle.
