What should India do to the #6 spot in Tests?

[Ab Fan]

Yes, the long home season is over and with everyone grooving towards IPL and then CT, there are plenty of times to decide what can be done for that spot which has been a major reason of bringing unstability in the performance of Indian team.

Rohit and Nair have got enough chances but both have proven to be failures in a very strong batting lineup.So,what are the options left for India?

Should they regularly play 5 bowlers in the team even with overseas tour to start later this year or should they try to bring some new folks like Manish Pandey to strengthen the batting further or should they give more chances to the likes of Sharma and Nair to make it a settled lineup in long run ?

If 5 bowlers strategy is to be picked, Hardik Pandya can be an option with both Ash-Jadeja playing in the team along with two of the pacers Shami/ Yadav/Bhuvi..

Views?

 

[Sachin136]

Nair has played 7 innings, one of which was a triple century. He should get many more chances.

 

[Ellipsism]

Nair has played 7 innings, one of which was a triple century. He should get many more chances.

From the snippets I've seen of the guy he doesn't look comfortable against the short ball which would cost the Indian team dearly amid their overseas tours.

I would be willing to give Sheryas Iyer a go at 6.

 

[Ph_11]

Nair should get more chances. Give Australian bowling some credit too. He played against the second best pace combo in the world.

 

[JaDed]

If Nair doesn't work go to Iyer and Pandya can't play an entire test at least i don't think so.

 

[Arsalan Pro]

Shreyas Iyer should be given a chance.

 

[MMHS]

At home, 5+1+2+3 (or 3+2) combination is perfect, because I think Ash, Saha, Jad & BK from 6 to 9 gives enough batting cover. At home, I don't think, 5 or 6 batsmen does matter much, as these 4 are more than enough to cover one less batsman. On contrary, it allows relentless attack to visiting teams with 5 men versatile attack.

In away (or say out side Asia), I don't think Ash & Saha are good enough to bat at 6/7 - may be 7/8 is perfect. This actually makes a bigger problem -
1. 4 bowlers with 2 spinners will take out IND from any chance to take 20 wickets. More importantly, it'll force Captain to bat first fpr whatever condition.
2. 2 spinners & 3 pacers makes the batting too weak. One solution can be to play KL Rahul as WK & drop Saha - but that'll cost Rahul's batting (We are talking about Test here - 200+ overs of keeping & 80% balls coming to WK) & it'll cost WK standards bigger time.
3. IND might play with 3 pacers & one spinner; but makes even more difficult to decide whom to drop - Ash oe Jad. Ideally, I'll play both, even at WACA or Headingley, because of the spin playing standards of Modern era.
On green tops, most teams won't chase 250 against a pair of decent spinners these days.
4. If one of the spinners is to drop - I think, Jad is more effective in his role (tight spinner, who'll give Captain the control, so that he can attack with 3 pacers), but dropping Ash means even more weaker batting.

In this regard, I think, the best option is to find a better version of Stuart Binny - someone who can average 30 with bat & bowl 30 tight overs in a result Test - 18 in 1st innings - it's like a pacer version of UV. He doesn't need to average below 40 with ball; but, economy must have to be under 3. Pandeya probably isn't the batsman for this role, while Rishi Dhawan's stats are inflated for bashing lower tier Ranji team. Had he not been in his mid 30s (officially 33), I would have said try Irfan Pathan, who could be a very good No. 7; but I don't think he has time left - some young kid has to be tried.

Until then, I'll drop Ash, play 4 bowlers & use lots of off-spin from Vijay.

 

[jagatk]

All nair supporters need to remember his triple came on a very flat pitch against a mentally shot England, on other difficult pitches he jas flopped badly, not to mention his fielding leaves a lot to be desired. I would rather try someone else than a guaranteed failure especially overseas

 

[DRsohail]

at home, 5+1+2+3 (or 3+2) combination is perfect, because i think ash, saha, jad & bk from 6 to 9 gives enough batting cover. At home, i don't think, 5 or 6 batsmen does matter much, as these 4 are more than enough to cover one less batsman. On contrary, it allows relentless attack to visiting teams with 5 men versatile attack.

In away (or say out side asia), i don't think ash & saha are good enough to bat at 6/7 - may be 7/8 is perfect. This actually makes a bigger problem -
1. 4 bowlers with 2 spinners will take out ind from any chance to take 20 wickets. More importantly, it'll force captain to bat first fpr whatever condition.
2. 2 spinners & 3 pacers makes the batting too weak. One solution can be to play kl rahul as wk & drop saha - but that'll cost rahul's batting (we are talking about test here - 200+ overs of keeping & 80% balls coming to wk) & it'll cost wk standards bigger time.
3. Ind might play with 3 pacers & one spinner; but makes even more difficult to decide whom to drop - ash oe jad. Ideally, i'll play both, even at waca or headingley, because of the spin playing standards of modern era.
On green tops, most teams won't chase 250 against a pair of decent spinners these days.
4. If one of the spinners is to drop - i think, jad is more effective in his role (tight spinner, who'll give captain the control, so that he can attack with 3 pacers), but dropping ash means even more weaker batting.

In this regard, i think, the best option is to find a better version of stuart binny - someone who can average 30 with bat & bowl 30 tight overs in a result test - 18 in 1st innings - it's like a pacer version of uv. He doesn't need to average below 40 with ball; but, economy must have to be under 3. Pandeya probably isn't the batsman for this role, while rishi dhawan's stats are inflated for bashing lower tier ranji team. Had he not been in his mid 30s (officially 33), i would have said try irfan pathan, who could be a very good no. 7; but i don't think he has time left - some young kid has to be tried.

Until then, i'll drop ash, play 4 bowlers & use lots of off-spin from vijay.

if inida soesnt have youngsters then irfan pathan will be a good choice ...

 

[R0H1T]

Nair should get more chances. Give Australian bowling some credit too. He played against the second best pace combo in the world.

Not when he's dropping dollies in the slips, I can count half a dozen starting with Jennings' catch on nought off the bowling of Umesh at Wankhede. He's a poor fielder just about on par with Sharma, Shreyas is a much better fielder, whilst his catching is pathetic even compared to Sharma. He needs to show he can adapt to the game at the highest level & needs to get much better in the field. We need a better no.6 than we have atm, not to mention Vijay seems to have gone backwards at the top, so often he just gets in & throws it away.

 

[Cricket-Pundit]

Kedar Jadhav should be given a go.. He can be a game changer for us

 

[RamLakhan]

If the No.6 batsman is useless and can't give any assurance, then why not continue playing 5 bowlers which at least gives us fair chance of winning even in overseas! Playing 4 bowlers means that we are breaking Ash & Jaddu combination (both as bowlers & batsmen) because we definitely need 3rd seamer in overseas (just like 3rd spinner in India).

So play 3 seamers (3rd seamer should be a proper bowler and not a Hardik Pandya type hack just to compromise our batting lineup, it doesn't serve anything!). And play both Ash & Jaddu (if someone is injured or out of form we can include Kuldeep for specific cases like if the pitch is dry/offering spin).

The team can be:

Rahul
Vijay (losing effectiveness, but can be checked in one overseas tour)
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Saha
Ashwin
Jadeja
Bhuvi / Ishant (based on conditions)
Shami
Umesh

We can have good reserves like Shreyas Iyer, Kuldeep & even Nair (deserves a tour to overseas at least and can be checked at least in practice matches)

 

[Ab Fan]

If the No.6 batsman is useless and can't give any assurance, then why not continue playing 5 bowlers which at least gives us fair chance of winning even in overseas! Playing 4 bowlers means that we are breaking Ash & Jaddu combination (both as bowlers & batsmen) because we definitely need 3rd seamer in overseas (just like 3rd spinner in India).

Because overseas tours are coming up and unlike home conditions, going with 5 batsmen is too risky in those conditions as if runs aren't there on board, chances of drawing is itself tougher let alone winning.

We need a top 5 and then a pure all rounder or a good enough premier batsmen at no.6 and not TTF's.

 

[Ab Fan]

At home, 5+1+2+3 (or 3+2) combination is perfect, because I think Ash, Saha, Jad & BK from 6 to 9 gives enough batting cover. At home, I don't think, 5 or 6 batsmen does matter much, as these 4 are more than enough to cover one less batsman. On contrary, it allows relentless attack to visiting teams with 5 men versatile attack.

In away (or say out side Asia), I don't think Ash & Saha are good enough to bat at 6/7 - may be 7/8 is perfect. This actually makes a bigger problem -
1. 4 bowlers with 2 spinners will take out IND from any chance to take 20 wickets. More importantly, it'll force Captain to bat first fpr whatever condition.
2. 2 spinners & 3 pacers makes the batting too weak. One solution can be to play KL Rahul as WK & drop Saha - but that'll cost Rahul's batting (We are talking about Test here - 200+ overs of keeping & 80% balls coming to WK) & it'll cost WK standards bigger time.
3. IND might play with 3 pacers & one spinner; but makes even more difficult to decide whom to drop - Ash oe Jad. Ideally, I'll play both, even at WACA or Headingley, because of the spin playing standards of Modern era.
On green tops, most teams won't chase 250 against a pair of decent spinners these days.
4. If one of the spinners is to drop - I think, Jad is more effective in his role (tight spinner, who'll give Captain the control, so that he can attack with 3 pacers), but dropping Ash means even more weaker batting.

In this regard, I think, the best option is to find a better version of Stuart Binny - someone who can average 30 with bat & bowl 30 tight overs in a result Test - 18 in 1st innings - it's like a pacer version of UV. He doesn't need to average below 40 with ball; but, economy must have to be under 3. Pandeya probably isn't the batsman for this role, while Rishi Dhawan's stats are inflated for bashing lower tier Ranji team. Had he not been in his mid 30s (officially 33), I would have said try Irfan Pathan, who could be a very good No. 7; but I don't think he has time left - some young kid has to be tried.

Until then, I'll drop Ash, play 4 bowlers & use lots of off-spin from Vijay.

Irfan is done and dusted long back. Its a shame he was wasted. I dont think he would be effective at all nowadays.

 

[Drreddymd]

Kedar jhadav should be given a chance. This nair guy is a sitting duck against pace and ayyar is a hack who doesn't have the defense game of someone like sehwag

 

[Drreddymd]

At home, 5+1+2+3 (or 3+2) combination is perfect, because I think Ash, Saha, Jad & BK from 6 to 9 gives enough batting cover. At home, I don't think, 5 or 6 batsmen does matter much, as these 4 are more than enough to cover one less batsman. On contrary, it allows relentless attack to visiting teams with 5 men versatile attack.

In away (or say out side Asia), I don't think Ash & Saha are good enough to bat at 6/7 - may be 7/8 is perfect. This actually makes a bigger problem -
1. 4 bowlers with 2 spinners will take out IND from any chance to take 20 wickets. More importantly, it'll force Captain to bat first fpr whatever condition.
2. 2 spinners & 3 pacers makes the batting too weak. One solution can be to play KL Rahul as WK & drop Saha - but that'll cost Rahul's batting (We are talking about Test here - 200+ overs of keeping & 80% balls coming to WK) & it'll cost WK standards bigger time.
3. IND might play with 3 pacers & one spinner; but makes even more difficult to decide whom to drop - Ash oe Jad. Ideally, I'll play both, even at WACA or Headingley, because of the spin playing standards of Modern era.
On green tops, most teams won't chase 250 against a pair of decent spinners these days.
4. If one of the spinners is to drop - I think, Jad is more effective in his role (tight spinner, who'll give Captain the control, so that he can attack with 3 pacers), but dropping Ash means even more weaker batting.

In this regard, I think, the best option is to find a better version of Stuart Binny - someone who can average 30 with bat & bowl 30 tight overs in a result Test - 18 in 1st innings - it's like a pacer version of UV. He doesn't need to average below 40 with ball; but, economy must have to be under 3. Pandeya probably isn't the batsman for this role, while Rishi Dhawan's stats are inflated for bashing lower tier Ranji team. Had he not been in his mid 30s (officially 33), I would have said try Irfan Pathan, who could be a very good No. 7; but I don't think he has time left - some young kid has to be tried.

Until then, I'll drop Ash, play 4 bowlers & use lots of off-spin from Vijay.

Absolutely. As of now ash will sit out as Jadeja has better control and he can atleast tie one end and not like ash who bowls a legside hit me ball every over which will go for runs

 

[ExpressPacer]

Rohit Sharma will be back once he is OK but I think the Indian team should persist with Nair. He looks quality. Even Kohli hasn't had a good series; doesn't mean he should be replaced.

The more important thing is that Ashwin is not a batsman, or even an all rounder - I'm sorry, but he's just not. If he gives you runs down the order, well and good. But please stop playing him so high up the order. Not only does it add more pressure on him and affect his bowling (like we've seen) but also, he doesn't have a great technique and you need proper batsmen who won't fail in clutch games batting higher up the order.

 

[sensible-indian-fan]

We won't need a number 6 slot for majority of the overseas games cos we will be playing 5 bowlers baby.

5 BOWLERS.

3 pacers + 2 spinners.

Pacers for the first innings.

Spinners for the second innings.

Back our strengths.

If Kohli was a gun in playing 5 bowlers, Rahane turned out to be an EVEN BIGGER SON OF A GUN who chose Kuldeep in place of injured Kohli which eventually got us the victory.

I think we may be playing 5 bowlers even on a green seamer cos they go flat after day 1. So in the rare case we go with 4 bowlers, it will be 3 pacers + 1 spinner (and that spot will be brutally competitive among 3 spinners). In that case, we will have to test out number 6 bats (I don't know who will make the cut).

Our overseas lineup for most part:

Rahul
Vijay
Pujara
Kohli
Rahane
Saha (he will do well even overseas - 20 balls he survives, he can make it on any track)
Ashwin
Jaddu
Shami
Umesh
Ishant/Bhuvi

LETS GO.

 

[Chrish]

Murali and Saha both are over 32 already iirc.. they will have to start looking for their replacements.. especially Murali who has been too inconsistent despite having a technique

And please bring Shreyas for Nair

 

[Chrish]

Also not sure about playing two spinners outside of SC tbh.. it would be useless in a place like Australia or South Africa in particular.. usually theree pacers and a spinner combined with an all rounder would be way to go but considering there is no AR on horizon, I would say 4 pace bowlers and a spinner in case one of pacer breaks down

 

[Chrish]

And I would play Jadeja overseas tbh. Spinners mostly play role of containing by bowling tight spells and keeping the over rates going. Jadeja has shown ability to dry up the runs and also he gets that advantage of being a left-hander

 

[Justcrazy]

India bowlers are good enough with bat , India can play 5 bowlers.

 

[TalentSpotterPk]

Rohit Sharma if he improves his temperament and gets rid of those soft dismissals.


Within next 12 months he needs to kick on otherwise like Yuvraj and Raina he will be history aswell because of the upcoming run machines of Indian Cricket.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Manish Pandey is the best of the lot.

Hardik Pandya if they wanna play an allrounder.

 

[bleaf27]

Nair didn't look impressive to me , let alone his batting stats , his fielding looks quite awful , 2-3 missed catches and his attitude after that was quite casual. Didn't look like he regretted that much

 

[bleaf27]

And I would play Jadeja overseas tbh. Spinners mostly play role of containing by bowling tight spells and keeping the over rates going. Jadeja has shown ability to dry up the runs and also he gets that advantage of being a left-hander

I agree , even if overseas Jadeja doesn't take many wickets , he is the kind of bowler who can get through his overs quite quickly and can dry the runs quite fast

 

[RamLakhan]

Also not sure about playing two spinners outside of SC tbh.. it would be useless in a place like Australia or South Africa in particular.. usually theree pacers and a spinner combined with an all rounder would be way to go but considering there is no AR on horizon, I would say 4 pace bowlers and a spinner in case one of pacer breaks down

The 4th seamer (?) or alrounder as you say is even more worse than 2nd spinner. We are finding difficulty in finding 3rd seamer (even 2nd seamer at times), if we somehow are able to find 4th quality seamer in a playing eleven, they we will need to shutdown all our slow pitches in India!

We never had two high quality spinners playing simultaneously in our ranks for past two decades! The last occasion was Kumble & Bajji (even that did not last long! But when they both played at their best, India did very well even in overseas!) Hence this Ash & Jaddu pair we have now is a really good one! Jaddu was not consistent before! But now he is so consistent & matured that he has actually replaced Ashwin as our lead spinner in all conditions! Only issue now is Ashwin's fitness (He has played some games hiding his injury, and we couldn't replace him because we thought he is the best and should play all the games! From now on we should start believing in rotating the bowlers judicially! Kuldeep could have made debut against Bangladesh itself!)

So if both Ashwin & Jaddu are fit and its an important match (overseas), they should definitely play and we should go with 5 bowlers trusting the 3rd seamer! Who said that 2nd spinners should never play in overseas/green tops! If the 2nd spinner is a quality guy and if you don't have proper alternate (batsman or a seamer to fit the XI) then you can play him! It is like the mistake of what Australia did in Dharmashala without going in with 3rd seamer following the myth that only spinners should play in SC.