Will Ajinkya Rahane hold on to his Test spot?

That the second Test between India and West Indies was a snooze fest is something no one questioned. The only tangible consequence of the series was the WTC points. And a washed-out final day put paid to that as well. 

Well, #SabJawaabMilenge is how the series was billed. Have India found backups for KL Rahul/Shreyas Iyer/Rishabh Pant? Have India tested their pacers’ bench strength? Let’s see how if India found any ‘Jawaab’ from the series.

Ajinkya Rahane’s comeback

The Mumbaikar’s return to the Test setup had raised many eyebrows. He had significantly underperformed in international cricket, seeing him go out of favour last December. To make matters worse, he had a sub-par Ranji Trophy. 

After all that, to get another shot at Test cricket on the back of IPL performances - the criticism wasn’t entirely unwarranted. Credit to him, he made it count in the WTC final against Australia, and the selectors found it sensible to double down on this decision. 

But, after scores of 3 (11) and 8 (36), Ajit Agarkar will have his task cut out for him when it comes to the India veteran. What’s an even bigger reason to worry is the mode of dismissals. The seven-month hiatus hadn’t broken the pattern. He got out poking to a ball outside the off stump in the first Test, while the second Test saw a lack of foot movement by Rahane play one on to his stumps. 

If his feet have got him trouble, his hands might just help tip the scales a bit in his favor. He has been India’s safest fielder for the longest time, which continues to be the case. The numbers also point to it - since 2020, he has the best catching efficiency (86.4%) for an Indian non-keeper in Tests. 

India’s next assignment is a good four months away, and it is a tour of South Africa - a fort India has yet to breach in Tests. Given the conditions, India will likely prefer experience over anything else. 

Mohammed Siraj shines with the red ball

Miyan continues to climb new heights in Tests, and this series was no different. He claimed his first-ever Player of the Match award in red-ball cricket for claiming his career-best figures of 5/60 in the first innings. He seemed like a sorcerer with the new ball in the first hour of the fourth day. Siraj’s performances have helped India hardly feel Jasprit Bumrah or Mohammed Shami’s absence. 

On the other hand, his partner Jaydev Unadkat did not have just memorable a tour. He bowled 28 wicketless overs, and with Paras Mhambrey emphasising the need to strengthen their bench strength, it won’t be much of a surprise if he doesn’t find himself in the squad for the South Africa series. 

Mukesh Kumar fares well on debut

The Bengal speedster was more than effective on debut and has done his chances absolutely no harm. In fact, the lad from the east could be another reason for ousting the man from the west (Unadkat).

His ability to consistently bowl wicket-to-wicket was on full display in Trinidad. Mukesh bowls in the early to mid 130s, and relies more on his accuracy over anything else. He could very well do the role Scott Boland has performed for the Aussies. Also, in South Africa, where bowlers extract more bounce and seam movement off the surface, his wicket-taking abilities would go up manifold. 

What makes his case stronger is that India will now shift focus to building their bench strength. He’s rated highly by the current bowling coach, and his consistent domestic performances will only keep him in good stead.  

The 'keeper conundrum

Rishabh Pant’s absence created a void in the Indian Test XI that they have struggled to fill since then. KS Bharat’s stint with the Indian team was very dodgy, and that led to Ishan Kishan being handed a Test cap. 

It is still too early to make any judgments right now, but he’s been far more at ease while facing pacers in international cricket, than his predecessor. Add to that, he offers an aggressive left-handed batting option for the side - a rare commodity presently for the Indian team. His keeping was also just as competent. If anything, his second innings blitz has only improved his odds of holding on to a spot in the Indian XI.