How does India manage to be the #1 Test team despite only 2 players below 30 years of age?

[BreadPakoda]

31.6 - Average age of the Indian team

Only 2 Indian players are younger than 30 - Mayank Agarwal, who's turning 29 soon, and youngsta beauty Mohammad Shami who's still 29.

So how has this team with "geriatric" players managed to stay at the top of the rankings for more than 3 years? Especially considering that most of its key players had touched or crossed 30 in 2016?

Is the age theory a false flag or is the Indian team about to see a sharp decline?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

31.6 - Average age of the Indian team

Only 2 Indian players are younger than 30 - Mayank Agarwal, who's turning 29 soon, and youngsta beauty Mohammad Shami who's still 29.

So how has this team with "geriatric" players managed to stay at the top of the rankings for more than 3 years? Especially considering that most of its key players had touched or crossed 30 in 2016?

Is the age theory a false flag or is the Indian team about to see a sharp decline?

Decline incoming I think.

 

[Junaids]

It’s an incredibly weak era for international cricket, by a huge margin the weakest era I have seen in 45 years, but their players over 30 are significantly younger than the likes of Azhar Ali.

 

[Junaids]

Decline incoming I think.

I fear for them in the World Test Championship Final.

They lost their last two series in England 3-1 and 4-1, and by June 2021 the team will be well past their best.

 

[geraltofrivia]

I fear for them in the World Test Championship Final.

They lost their last two series in England 3-1 and 4-1, and by June 2021 the team will be well past their best.

Haha. I feel for you. Seeing your team lose then facing those barbers haha.

 

[BreadPakoda]

It’s an incredibly weak era for international cricket, by a huge margin the weakest era I have seen in 45 years, but their players over 30 are significantly younger than the likes of Azhar Ali.

Interesting. Considering Azhar is just a couple of years older than most of the Indian batsmen and we all know he had lost his game 2-3 years ago, I would reckon the Indian batsmen if not already in, are entering a dangerous territory. Would you predict a decline if India doesn't phase out the likes of Kohli, Pujara, and Rahane?

Edit. Oh, guess you've already answered.

Any suggestions on a transition plan?

 

[Nikhil_cric]

I fear for them in the World Test Championship Final.

They lost their last two series in England 3-1 and 4-1, and by June 2021 the team will be well past their best.

Yes we will have a tough time I think. This team has gone as far as it can possibly go although the Lord's test is just a one off not a 5 match series. Not impossible to win that if we have our best XI . The problem us we most likely won't

 

[geraltofrivia]

31.6 - Average age of the Indian team

Only 2 Indian players are younger than 30 - Mayank Agarwal, who's turning 29 soon, and youngsta beauty Mohammad Shami who's still 29.

So how has this team with "geriatric" players managed to stay at the top of the rankings for more than 3 years? Especially considering that most of its key players had touched or crossed 30 in 2016?

Is the age theory a false flag or is the Indian team about to see a sharp decline?

Age theory is a false flag.

Aus team of 06-07 was old as hell as was the Windies team of 90-91. They were still champion teams.

Thing about Pakistan is that there is no talent. "Age theory" is just to make people feel good about themselves. The old guys flopped in Aus. The young guys flopped in Aus. It doesn't matter who plays. There is just no talent.

 

[geraltofrivia]

Interesting. Considering Azhar is just a couple of years older than most of the Indian batsmen and we all know he had lost his game 2-3 years ago, I would reckon the Indian batsmen if not already in, are entering a dangerous territory. Would you predict a decline if India doesn't phase out the likes of Kohli, Pujara, and Rahane?

Edit. Oh, guess you've already answered.

Any suggestions on a transition plan?

Rubbish. Azhar was never a particularly good player. He is someone like Gambhir who has 3-4 good years.

Kohli, Pujara et al are in the leagues of the greats and will continue this vein of form till 35-36 if not beyond.

 

[Indiafan]

It’s an incredibly weak era for international cricket, by a huge margin the weakest era I have seen in 45 years, but their players over 30 are significantly younger than the likes of Azhar Ali.

But if it's a weak era, it's a weak era across, so why would a team having older players do well? There goes your theory

 

[Rightarmfast]

It’s an incredibly weak era for international cricket, by a huge margin the weakest era I have seen in 45 years, but their players over 30 are significantly younger than the likes of Azhar Ali.

Lolz, anything that makes you sleep better English are a much stronger side than the 90's, when Pakistan used to beat them. NZ are a much stronger side than ever. SA is weaker, yet strong enough to defend at home. Aus is not the world beater of late 90's, still a very strong team. India is phenomenal.

So how come this phase is at its weakest? Lolz!
Time for you to go and get some unnecessary records of some unnecessary player to prove your point and bash India. Get going, yo!

 

[geraltofrivia]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...n-1st-test-pakistan-tour-of-australia-2004-05

Geriatric Australia smashing youthful Pakistan

 

[geraltofrivia]

Lolz, anything that makes you sleep better English are a much stronger side than the 90's, when Pakistan used to beat them. NZ are a much stronger side than ever. SA is weaker, yet strong enough to defend at home. Aus is not the world beater of late 90's, still a very strong team. India is phenomenal.

So how come this phase is at its weakest? Lolz!
Time for you to go and get some unnecessary records of some unnecessary player to prove your point and bash India. Get going, yo!

Cause Pakistan are weak?

 

[MP2011]

Rubbish. Azhar was never a particularly good player. He is someone like Gambhir who has 3-4 good years.

As much I hate his sooks on every other matter, Gambhir will be furious to be tagged along with Azhar Ali!

 

[Mirpur express]

Still far superior & real 31s & 33yr olds not like Pakistani 39yr olds claiming to be 31 lol

 

[Hawkeye]

Never believe our resident PP experts who think people should be dropped as soon as they enter 30s and not selected.

This logic doesn't work or used anywhere else.

Pure cricketing skills matter.

 

[geraltofrivia]

As much I hate his sooks on every other matter, Gambhir will be furious to be tagged along with Azhar Ali!

Test wise they are same. Gambhir far superior ODI and T20I cricketer.

 

[saadsahabjee]

Muhmmad Shami 29 ?

 

[jnaveen1980]

In a few years it will belong to Prithiv shaw, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Gopal, Saini, Devdut, Easwaran, Panchal, R Gaekwad, Manojt kalra. Quiet a lot of young players are coming in. India will keep producing players. Gavaskar, Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Sehwag, Kohli, Pujara, Rahane.

 

[JibranAnsari]

experienced performers who actually have performed for years and are still super fit.


how many of them are 35 plus though ?

 

[Indieview]

Improved Skills and ridiculous discipline on Fitness regime is differentiator for this Indian team

 

[Hyperion66]

Pakoda bhai were your bitten by Junaids or something? I clicked the title fully expecting the OP to be him.

 

[Sidilicious]

Rubbish. Azhar was never a particularly good player. He is someone like Gambhir who has 3-4 good years.

Kohli, Pujara et al are in the leagues of the greats and will continue this vein of form till 35-36 if not beyond.

Gambhir >> Azhar

Between those 4 years that dude was in top rating for both tests and ODIs. He provided brilliant starts in tests and was responsible for winning of both out big LOI wins in 2007 and 2011 (more so than Dhoni).

Even in test cricket, Azhar never had the same impact as Gambo.

 

[cricketjoshila]

experienced performers who actually have performed for years and are still super fit.


how many of them are 35 plus though ?

No one i believe.

Fitness regimes have pushed the age of decline from 30 to 35 plus i believe.

 

[Sidilicious]

The team is divided into 3 cores - Batting, Spin and Pace

The core batsman are over 30 (Kohli, Pujara, Rahane), but they started getting this team together around 6 years back, when they were in their mid 20s. Those below 30 - Mayank, Vihari are new, but are not part of the core team yet. Also, the batsman can easily be at their top till mid to late 30s. So I expect another 3-4 years from this batting core.

The spinners are over 30, but spinners can play till quite late too. These too have been around for more than 6 years.

The pace bowlers are a mixed bag, of mid 20s to early 30s . Those in mid 20s are pretty new. Those in early 30s have been also around 6-7 years. We will need to look for effective replacements for Ishant in 2-3 years, and for Yadav/Shami in 4-5 years. For Bhuvi/Bumrah, they should be ok for another 6-7 years.

 

[Sidilicious]

Test wise they are same. Gambhir far superior ODI and T20I cricketer.

Look at their ICC ratings bro. I am quite sure Gambhir maintained much higher rating for most of his peak.

 

[Revolution]

In a few years it will belong to Prithiv shaw, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Gopal, Saini, Devdut, Easwaran, Panchal, R Gaekwad, Manojt kalra. Quiet a lot of young players are coming in. India will keep producing players. Gavaskar, Sachin, Dravid, Ganguly, Laxman, Sehwag, Kohli, Pujara, Rahane.

Rohan Kadam- scored 536 from 12 matches(age 25 )

BR Sharath - wicket keeper - Named captain foe 2019 ACC Emerging Teams Asia Cup( age 23)

Prasidh Krishna pace bowler age 23

 

[Mesozoic]

Producing batsman will be never be a problem for us.

The real worry is the fast bowlers. Ishant and Umesh are both in their 30s. Shami is surely older than 29. It'd be tough to replace them. Bumrah's fitness worries me.

 

[shah_1]

They have lot of youngsters in line when it comes to batting and spin bowler. India need to have a succession plan for three fast bowlers(Shami, Ishant and Umesh), especially Shami being offically 29

 

[Junaids]

Lolz, anything that makes you sleep better English are a much stronger side than the 90's, when Pakistan used to beat them. NZ are a much stronger side than ever. SA is weaker, yet strong enough to defend at home. Aus is not the world beater of late 90's, still a very strong team. India is phenomenal.

So how come this phase is at its weakest? Lolz!
Time for you to go and get some unnecessary records of some unnecessary player to prove your point and bash India. Get going, yo!

Sorry but that’s just incorrect.

The 1990’s England batting to which you refer contained Gooch and Lamb (until 1994) and then Atherton, Stewart and Robin Smith.

Nasser Hussain could barely get into the eleven until the latter part of the decade.

Similarly the bowling started the decade with Fraser, Malcolm and Tufnell and ended with Gough and Caddick.

They were far, far superior to the likes of Burns, Denley, Pope and Leach. You can’t even compare.

 

[Junaids]

Age theory is a false flag.

Aus team of 06-07 was old as hell as was the Windies team of 90-91. They were still champion teams.

Thing about Pakistan is that there is no talent. "Age theory" is just to make people feel good about themselves. The old guys flopped in Aus. The young guys flopped in Aus. It doesn't matter who plays. There is just no talent.

Can’t you see the quality difference?

It’s one thing being that Australia team with six batsmen who have scored over 6,000 Test runs at over an average of 45 and three bowlers with over 250 Test wickets.

It’s totally another being Iftikhar Ahmed being blatantly in his mid-30’s with a lifetime total of 48 Test runs at an average of 9.60.

Or being Azhar Ali averaging 12.13 outside Asia for the last two years.

I remember Ian Healy being forcibly retired when he wanted to carry on. Ditto Mark Waugh. Ditto David Boon. Ditto Dean Jones.

 

[OffDrive]

Can’t you see the quality difference?

It’s one thing being that Australia team with six batsmen who have scored over 6,000 Test runs at over an average of 45 and three bowlers with over 250 Test wickets.

It’s totally another being Iftikhar Ahmed being blatantly in his mid-30’s with a lifetime total of 48 Test runs at an average of 9.60.

Or being Azhar Ali averaging 12.13 outside Asia for the last two years.

I remember Ian Healy being forcibly retired when he wanted to carry on. Ditto Mark Waugh. Ditto David Boon. Ditto Dean Jones.

You can add S Waugh as well to the list and a few others.

 

[Rightarmfast]

Sorry but that’s just incorrect.

The 1990’s England batting to which you refer contained Gooch and Lamb (until 1994) and then Atherton, Stewart and Robin Smith.

Nasser Hussain could barely get into the eleven until the latter part of the decade.

Similarly the bowling started the decade with Fraser, Malcolm and Tufnell and ended with Gough and Caddick.

They were far, far superior to the likes of Burns, Denley, Pope and Leach. You can’t even compare.

Wrong! By the advent of 90's, Lamb and Gooch were already towards the fag end of their career. Robin Smith was a gutsy batsman, but not a world beater. Atherton and Stewart were good batsmen but they werent what you call, enforcers. Nasseer Hussain, again was good. Compared to the present lot, we dont need to argue too much.
And do you really want to argue on Angus Fraser being a better bowler than the current lot? lolz. Devon Malcolm was quick, but even the English team didnt trust him. Gough was good, pretty good actually. Caddick was just one dimensional.
Ask any English and they will take the present set of players with eyes closed!
Cheers

 

[MP2011]

Test wise they are same.

No they're not.

See Sidilicious above.

 

[geraltofrivia]

Can’t you see the quality difference?

It’s one thing being that Australia team with six batsmen who have scored over 6,000 Test runs at over an average of 45 and three bowlers with over 250 Test wickets.

It’s totally another being Iftikhar Ahmed being blatantly in his mid-30’s with a lifetime total of 48 Test runs at an average of 9.60.

Or being Azhar Ali averaging 12.13 outside Asia for the last two years.

I remember Ian Healy being forcibly retired when he wanted to carry on. Ditto Mark Waugh. Ditto David Boon. Ditto Dean Jones.

Because they had replacements. Pakistan has none.Pakistan hasn't had a 45 averaging batsmen since Misbah who debuted in the 90s. They haven't had a fast bowler with 100 wickets at an average below 30 since Asif who debuted in 2004-05. So it's been a long time since a good player has come along.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Because they had replacements. Pakistan has none.Pakistan hasn't had a 45 averaging batsmen since Misbah who debuted in the 90s. They haven't had a fast bowler with 100 wickets at an average below 30 since Asif who debuted in 2004-05. So it's been a long time since a good player has come along.

But there are 18-21 year olds sitting in Pakistan who are NOT being selected who are better than Anderson, Boult, Bumrah and Starc but its Misbah who is not letting them come into the system.

 

[lifecric7]

Because of BCCI power

 

[lifecric7]

But there are 18-21 year olds sitting in Pakistan who are NOT being selected who are better than Anderson, Boult, Bumrah and Starc but its Misbah who is not letting them come into the system.

sure.. good one

 

[Pakhs]

Because they are mature and experienced players who had loads of talent to begin with. combination of a really string team.

 

[Hawkeye]

But there are 18-21 year olds sitting in Pakistan who are NOT being selected who are better than Anderson, Boult, Bumrah and Starc but its Misbah who is not letting them come into the system.

Exactly.

Each day on PP some random guy claims how X is so much better. Then he gets a chance, fails, and the whole PP goes in a meltdown abusing everyone from the player, coach to the selector.

Then a new cycle starts and more youngsta beauties get hyped.

As I usually say, PPers have a weird sort of fantasy with 18-20 year olds, they want everyone in their 30s to be dropped and never selected.

IND is a lot more mature, they value cricketing skills and know that youngsters only develop around experienced seniors.

 

[Abdullah719]

Exactly.

Each day on PP some random guy claims how X is so much better. Then he gets a chance, fails, and the whole PP goes in a meltdown abusing everyone from the player, coach to the selector.

Then a new cycle starts and more youngsta beauties get hyped.

As I usually say, PPers have a weird sort of fantasy with 18-20 year olds, they want everyone in their 30s to be dropped and never selected.

IND is a lot more mature, they value cricketing skills and know that youngsters only develop around experienced seniors.

Around seniors who actually have a reputation, not seniors who are amongst the worst players in the team.

What are youngsters going to learn from Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imran Khan etc. right now?

 

[Titan24]

In next 3-5 years, Indian team outlook will be a lot different. They need to start developing Shaw, Gill etc to step up though filling the shoes of Kohli and Pujara in tests and Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit in ODIs isnt going to be easy.

Next generation obviously has the skills but how well the translate that into on field performances in future will be the deciding factor.

 

[Birdman]

It’s an incredibly weak era for international cricket, by a huge margin the weakest era I have seen in 45 years, but their players over 30 are significantly younger than the likes of Azhar Ali.

I don't know what you are talking about. In the 80's WI dominated and we had England and Aussies in the second tier and the rest were half decent. In the 90's we saw decline of WI and the rise of the Aussies and South Africa were bit below the Aussies and then we had England, India, Pakistan and NZ and Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka were below them. Now you have India, Aussies, England, South Africa that are fighting for No. 1 spot, so there is more competition than years past.

In the 80's and 90's most test matches ended in the for the most part. They use to play for 6 days with a rest day sandwiched between 3rd and 4th day. Now a days you expect test matches to produce results and we see batsman playing shots and bowlers using variations. Players are fitter and the overall game has improved.

One thing that each teams in 80's and 90's has was individual superstars that attracted the crowd. India had Kapil Dev and Gavaskar in the 80's and of course Tendulkar in the 90's. England had Botham in the 80's, NZ had Hadlee and Crowe, SL had Arjuna and Aravinda, Zimb had Fkower brother, Houghton, Eddo Brandes, Pakistan had Imran, Miandad, Akthar and 2 W's and ofcourse WI hada whole bunch of players in the 80's.

 

[Revolution]

In next 3-5 years, Indian team outlook will be a lot different. They need to start developing Shaw, Gill etc to step up though filling the shoes of Kohli and Pujara in tests and Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit in ODIs isnt going to be easy.

Next generation obviously has the skills but how well the translate that into on field performances in future will be the deciding factor.

Bud, if you see BCCI domestic schedule it is fully packed tournaments with multi day N single day tournaments.

Ranji is starting from dec9th and you see some fresh talent coming.

We have multiple backs for batters but more concentration should be on fast bowlers.

 

[Rightarmfast]

But there are 18-21 year olds sitting in Pakistan who are NOT being selected who are better than Anderson, Boult, Bumrah and Starc but its Misbah who is not letting them come into the system.

With due respect to you sir, I think you are getting ahead of yourself. In plain simple words, no! The best you guys can do is, quit abusing your young bowlers and give them time to blossom. Make sure they are not discarded in between. The same team will give results in 3-4 yrs if handled with care.

 

[Hawkeye]

Around seniors who actually have a reputation, not seniors who are amongst the worst players in the team.

What are youngsters going to learn from Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imran Khan etc. right now?

Shan, Ifti, Imran are all too inexperienced at the international level.

That's the tragedy, we don't have many experienced international campaigners. Only Azhar and Shafiq make that list. They both have averaged over 40 for a long time and are in a decline since the last 1-2 years, where we rarely played much Test cricket.

Both of them are in a perfect position to comfort youngsters even if they're not doing well now. You don't teach batsmen how to bat and adjust technique on the pitch or in the middle of a series. It's about other things, confidence, handling pressure, pacing things etc. Though this doesn't mean Shafiq shouldn't be dropped. It's time.

I do believe that our decline in Tests is party because we don't play Tests. Not enough of them.

 

[Junaids]

But there are 18-21 year olds sitting in Pakistan who are NOT being selected who are better than Anderson, Boult, Bumrah and Starc but its Misbah who is not letting them come into the system.

Now you are being ridiculous. You’re just making up clickbait comments.

My point is:

1. Azhar Ali is 35 and averages 26 since the age of 32. He does not deserve selection ahead of 24 year old Sami Aslam.

2. Imran Khan is 32 and was averaging 49 with the ball this season. He did not deserve selection ahead of the 27 year old Ehsan Adil in Australian conditions.

3. Yasir Shah is 33 years 6 months old and averages 90 with the ball in Australia. In the last Test series, in similar conditions in South Africa, his batting average was 13 times worse than Shadab Khan and his bowling average was 6 times worse. In this year’s QEA his average and strike rate were appalling. He did not deserve selection for Australia ahead of Shadab Khan, who is 21 years old.

4. Iftikhar Ahmed has 35 domestic runs this season. Thirty five! Why did he deserve selection?

 

[ARK Rafay]

Fast pacers are needed. Ultra aggressive Batting is needed. Young players are needed. These all things are a myth.

 

[jnaveen1980]

They have lot of youngsters in line when it comes to batting and spin bowler. India need to have a succession plan for three fast bowlers(Shami, Ishant and Umesh), especially Shami being offically 29

Here is the thing. We had these bowlers even before under Dhoni. But they didn't exactly bowl like that. They didn't display great skills like this. Either the coach is doing a great job or the captain is getting the best out of them or both. So with the right coach and a captain who backs his fast bowlers India should be able to maintain the standard.

 

[shah_1]

Here is the thing. We had these bowlers even before under Dhoni. But they didn't exactly bowl like that. They didn't display great skills like this. Either the coach is doing a great job or the captain is getting the best out of them or both. So with the right coach and a captain who backs his fast bowlers India should be able to maintain the standard.

Give credit to bowlers, they have improved their skillset. If it was that easy then Khaleel would have been better than Starc

 

[jnaveen1980]

Indian domestic structure is strong. Two tier premiere first class tournament (Ranji). Statewide one day tournament (Vijay Hazare trophy), regional tournament (Duleep Trophy), top 3 teams tournament (Challenger Trophy), Besides IPL India has its own T20 domestic tournament(Syed Mustaq ali tournament) which consists of only Indian players. Then we have the IPL. As long as we keep regional politics in check no talent can be stopped.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Give credit to bowlers, they have improved their skillset. If it was that easy then Khaleel would have been better than Starc

Dhoni is a defensive captain for pacers. His way of taking wickets is by drying up runs even in helpful conditions. When Ishant started his career he used to bowl well and bring the ball back in. Suddenly he lost his skills for like 10 years. Became short and wide sharma. He basically rediscovered his own skill under Dhoni.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Another thing that plagues India is senior culture. Once they form a clique they don't allow anyone to join. A reason why some get preferential treatment.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

But there are 18-21 year olds sitting in Pakistan who are NOT being selected who are better than Anderson, Boult, Bumrah and Starc but its Misbah who is not letting them come into the system.

Even though your post was sarcastic, it is incredible to think that some fans ACTUALLY believe this is the case. As the saying goes, delusion has no bounds.

 

[charlie007]

Because performance should and does matter, not age. If you’re performing well then age should not be a factor. If you’re not and there are performing (in domestic or A team) players waiting, bring them in regardless of their age.

 

[shantanu]

I am not much worried about the future of Indian cricket because slowly but surely the right people are being positioned at critical places in the Indian cricketing system.
Rahul handling the youngsta beauties and Ganguly at the helm. With the ever present gentle guidance of Sachin. The Indian cricket is being handed to the right people and the attitude change over the last decade has been so refreshing.
All the good work that Rahul has done with the under 19s is about to manifest at the highest level. I truly believe that we are set to dominate the world cricket for the next decade like no other team.

 

[King_Kohli]

In next 3-5 years, Indian team outlook will be a lot different. They need to start developing Shaw, Gill etc to step up though filling the shoes of Kohli and Pujara in tests and Kohli, Dhawan and Rohit in ODIs isnt going to be easy.

Next generation obviously has the skills but how well the translate that into on field performances in future will be the deciding factor.

well, we don't bother about another Kohli, pujari and Rahane, will produce obviously quality batsmen.
we need more Bumra, shami kind of bowlers

 

[Abdullah]

Even though your post was sarcastic, it is incredible to think that some fans ACTUALLY believe this is the case. As the saying goes, delusion has no bounds.

Now you are being ridiculous. You’re just making up clickbait comments.

My point is:

1. Azhar Ali is 35 and averages 26 since the age of 32. He does not deserve selection ahead of 24 year old Sami Aslam.

2. Imran Khan is 32 and was averaging 49 with the ball this season. He did not deserve selection ahead of the 27 year old Ehsan Adil in Australian conditions.

3. Yasir Shah is 33 years 6 months old and averages 90 with the ball in Australia. In the last Test series, in similar conditions in South Africa, his batting average was 13 times worse than Shadab Khan and his bowling average was 6 times worse. In this year’s QEA his average and strike rate were appalling. He did not deserve selection for Australia ahead of Shadab Khan, who is 21 years old.

4. Iftikhar Ahmed has 35 domestic runs this season. Thirty five! Why did he deserve selection?

Forward defensive Bhai, read Junaid bhais post

 

[Titan24]

well, we don't bother about another Kohli, pujari and Rahane, will produce obviously quality batsmen.
we need more Bumra, shami kind of bowlers

I think decent new bowlers are coming however, problem for India wouldnt be availability of products it will how well those products fill the shoes of the previous ones will be the key. Not everyone has the temperament and pressure handling skills required at international cricket.

 

[Titan24]

Bud, if you see BCCI domestic schedule it is fully packed tournaments with multi day N single day tournaments.

Ranji is starting from dec9th and you see some fresh talent coming.

We have multiple backs for batters but more concentration should be on fast bowlers.

Its a fact and I am not at all denying that. I am not saying there wont be enough good players available post Kohli, Rohit, Dhawan, Pujara or Shami, Ashwin etc. What I am saying is that if those players will step up and start straight away from where the previous players left will be something to see.

Not all players handle international cricket the same way, take Rahul and Pant for example. They both are really good products and no denying in their talent but at they arent stepping up as expected of them so the key would be which players step and show the temperament. Not every generation of cricketers steps up as the previous ones irrespective of how strong a domestic structure is, we have seen that with Aus for few years post 2007, we are seeing that with SA.

I am not saying that it would happen as I think Shaw, Gill etc have enough quality but nothing is guaranteed at international level. Replicating tons and tons of runs by Kohli, Rohit, Punara, Dhawan in different formats under pressure wont be easy to replicate for anyone and same is the case with bowlers who might not be their in 3-5 years. Maybe the next generation will better them, maybe they wont but that is something only time can tell..

 

[TNAmarkFromIndia]

Since when did an average age of 31 become too old? Australian team of 06-08 were older and still dominated Test cricket.

 

[Hasan123]

Most of the team has been around for a while now. Also they come from a much more professional system and have better coaches available.

India are well drilled unit in tests.

 

[jnaveen1980]

I am not much worried about the future of Indian cricket because slowly but surely the right people are being positioned at critical places in the Indian cricketing system.
Rahul handling the youngsta beauties and Ganguly at the helm. With the ever present gentle guidance of Sachin. The Indian cricket is being handed to the right people and the attitude change over the last decade has been so refreshing.
All the good work that Rahul has done with the under 19s is about to manifest at the highest level. I truly believe that we are set to dominate the world cricket for the next decade like no other team.

This. Appointing Rahul Dravid to groom U19 was one of the biggest step in the right direction.

 

[jnaveen1980]

One of the biggest travesty is being born in the wrong era. Any middle order batsman who were available selection in the 2000s, found it impossible to break through as India had Sachin, Sehwag, Dravd, Laxman and Ganguly for sometime. This is more telling now than ever. India has plethora of openers in domestic. But they can't make it because we have Rohit and Agarwal. same way Karun Nair even after making 300 in Tests can't find a spot. Vihari had a great series in Windies. Still playing in and out. Rahane knew he would be kicked out and started scoring runs. In the Indian Test line up only Pujara and Kohli are indispensable. Others can be easily replaced.

 

[Energy]

Its not the age, its their stats. Look at their numbers/averages and then we know why they are best in the world.

 

[CricFan2012]

Because they have a good cricketing system in place and like a billion people

 

[praveen]

what this is new 30 years cut-off?

 

[BaankeJi]

what this is new 30 years cut-off?

That is newly introduced by [MENTION=132916]Junaids[/MENTION]. Waiting for approval from respective boards.

 

[Sultanofswing]

That exactly is worrying sign for Pakistan. We have no greats in past decade who can lead PCB in coming years. Imagine Hafeez, Malik or Azahar being PCB chief or future coach. Frightening.

 

[Titan24]

Kohli, Pujara in batting and good bowling has been the key for them in tests. If you can have 3-5 good players in any format and play with proper tactics, strategy and players play for the team than success is always gonna come.

India has been phenomenal but teams like SA, Eng, Pak, Srl (Anyone with doubts can check the batting averages of SA and Eng batsmen and bowling average of all four which is pretty mediocre except for SA in SA) are probably in their worst phase of test cricket in last couple of decades which means there arent many teams to give India, Aus and NZ tough time.

India has the basics covered to be a top team but then only two other teams are in competition while rest are either rebuilding or struggling however, nobody can take anything away from India's success as they deserve it.

 

[Revolution]

Since when did an average age of 31 become too old? Australian team of 06-08 were older and still dominated Test cricket.

This is applicable only to Indian cricket.

 

[minamino]

Most of them are in early 30s and the only weak link in India's side is over 35 so it makes sense.

 

[tyron_woodley]

This is applicable only to Indian cricket.

yea maybe for old india. Modern indian players are far fitter than most aussie players. Not even a comparison.

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Forward defensive Bhai, read Junaid bhais post

Bhai, I'm not supporting the selection of Ifti at all! But to even suggest that Azhar or Yasir should not tour Australia is seriously ridiculous. They are currently the best in our country so they will definitely tour. Imran is a different case. But he performed well in the practice match so it's a 50-50 decision for me. Ifti didn't deserve it at all, that I agree.

 

[Abdullah]

Bhai, I'm not supporting the selection of Ifti at all! But to even suggest that Azhar or Yasir should not tour Australia is seriously ridiculous. They are currently the best in our country so they will definitely tour. Imran is a different case. But he performed well in the practice match so it's a 50-50 decision for me. Ifti didn't deserve it at all, that I agree.

You really thought Yasir should be playing and that too as part of a 4 man attack where were you in 2016?
You deserve the pain you got

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

You really thought Yasir should be playing and that too as part of a 4 man attack where were you in 2016?
You deserve the pain you got

Well, Yasir is clearly the best spinner in Pakistan. Period. He definitely should play. Do you see India dropping Ashwin or Australia dropping Lyon just because they haven't toured Australia or UAE well enough? It's the same analogy. Shadab would have performed the same minus the runs if he played ahead of Yasir.

 

[Abdullah]

Well, Yasir is clearly the best spinner in Pakistan. Period. He definitely should play. Do you see India dropping Ashwin or Australia dropping Lyon just because they haven't toured Australia or UAE well enough? It's the same analogy. Shadab would have performed the same minus the runs if he played ahead of Yasir.

Shadab wouldn't have had to bowl 40 overs by day 2 because we would have had a 4th seamer, I've explained this to you before.
Shadab at 7 and faheem at 8. Shadab bowling minimal overs on first 3 days of the game.

Don't compare is to Aus and India.

We saw what happened in 2016 and u know what the definition of insanity is

 

[Abdullah]

India have dropped Ashwin outside of India btw and he is a better bowler than Yasir, though leg spin is more difficult art

 

[Forward Defensive Push]

Shadab wouldn't have had to bowl 40 overs by day 2 because we would have had a 4th seamer, I've explained this to you before.
Shadab at 7 and faheem at 8. Shadab bowling minimal overs on first 3 days of the game.

Don't compare is to Aus and India.

We saw what happened in 2016 and u know what the definition of insanity is

What makes you think Shadab would have done any better?

 

[Abdullah]

What makes you think Shadab would have done any better?

Nobody can say for sure what would have happened.
All I'm saying is the below is the better template given what happened previous

https://www.espncricinfo.com/series...africa-vs-pakistan-3rd-test-pak-in-sa-2018-19

Shadab wouldn't have had to bowl 40 overs by the 2nd day