Who will fill the void left by Sachin Tendulkar?
It
will be futile to find a 'replacement' for a man with 34,273
international runs, 662 international games and 100 international tons.
(Getty Images)
Who after Sachin Tendulkar? This is a question that has not been asked
for more than two decades. It was a rhetorical question as no one really
thought it could be answered.
That question was used as a compliment to Tendulkar's genius. Through this period, the sight of Tendulkar walking out to bat in a Test after India had lost its top two batsmen has been as inevitable as birth and death.
But with the man who made the 'crotch-yank' an adorable signature, set to retire after two Tests, it's a question that someone has to try to answer.
So who are these contestants for that spot in the Indian Test team? First it is obviously important to realise that it will be futile to find a 'replacement' for a man with 34,273 international runs, 662 international games and 100 international tons. But someone will have to fill this HUGE void when India travels to South Africa in December for a Test series.
The most obvious contender in the immediate future seems to be Virat Kohli. The Delhi youngster showed both his ugly side, with his middle-finger gesture, and his bright side, with a debut Test ton at Adelaide, during India's tour Down Under in 2012.
He was batting at number 6 then and was subsequently moved to number 5 when VVS Laxman called quits just before the home series against New Zealand. He has responded with three tons since and has made a strong case for a promotion.
With a solid Cheteshwar Pujara at number three, an aggressive Kohli could be the idea foil at a batting position from where he can dictate terms to the opposition.
The opening at number four might have just come at the ideal point for someone like Rohit Sharma too.
Although the Mumbai lad these days opens for India in the ODI and T20 format, he bats at number four in the first-class matches for Mumbai. The Mumbaikar must be high on confidence after leading Mumbai Indians to the Champions League title, his batting form is good too and he has sorted out the demons in his mind. The spot can be his for a long time if he is ambitious and desperate enough.
Tendulkar's departure might also offer a lifeline for Yuvraj Singh. The left-hander has played just 40 Tests since making his debut in 2003 and hasn't fulfilled even half of his talent; but he has battled cancer now and is looking in prime shape and form to stake a claim to that spot. If the selectors are looking for experience, the Punjab-man demands a serious look in as a Test batsman.
Another veteran who actually has been eying that spot is Virender Sehwag. In the past, he has talked about his desire to bat at number 4 once Tendulkar retires. But the biggest factor against him is his current bad form. He hasn't got a Test ton since Ahmedabad in November 2012.
He hasn't even scored against West Indies A in an on-going series where he has been batting at number four. He got a 38 but it will be bit of a surprise if he gets a chance to bat at that position for India in the near future. But if he gets it, trust Sehwag to succeed.
Then there are players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu and Gujarat's Manpreet Juneja. It's an open season. But Please. Please, please... don't expect a Sachin Tendulkar.
The sight of the straight lines of the bat on its downswing; the power of the back foot punch; thanks for the memories Sachin. Glad you came - Ian Bishop , former West Indian fast bowler.
BEST TWEETS
Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin. @sanjaymanjrekar
That question was used as a compliment to Tendulkar's genius. Through this period, the sight of Tendulkar walking out to bat in a Test after India had lost its top two batsmen has been as inevitable as birth and death.
But with the man who made the 'crotch-yank' an adorable signature, set to retire after two Tests, it's a question that someone has to try to answer.
So who are these contestants for that spot in the Indian Test team? First it is obviously important to realise that it will be futile to find a 'replacement' for a man with 34,273 international runs, 662 international games and 100 international tons. But someone will have to fill this HUGE void when India travels to South Africa in December for a Test series.
The most obvious contender in the immediate future seems to be Virat Kohli. The Delhi youngster showed both his ugly side, with his middle-finger gesture, and his bright side, with a debut Test ton at Adelaide, during India's tour Down Under in 2012.
He was batting at number 6 then and was subsequently moved to number 5 when VVS Laxman called quits just before the home series against New Zealand. He has responded with three tons since and has made a strong case for a promotion.
With a solid Cheteshwar Pujara at number three, an aggressive Kohli could be the idea foil at a batting position from where he can dictate terms to the opposition.
The opening at number four might have just come at the ideal point for someone like Rohit Sharma too.
Although the Mumbai lad these days opens for India in the ODI and T20 format, he bats at number four in the first-class matches for Mumbai. The Mumbaikar must be high on confidence after leading Mumbai Indians to the Champions League title, his batting form is good too and he has sorted out the demons in his mind. The spot can be his for a long time if he is ambitious and desperate enough.
Tendulkar's departure might also offer a lifeline for Yuvraj Singh. The left-hander has played just 40 Tests since making his debut in 2003 and hasn't fulfilled even half of his talent; but he has battled cancer now and is looking in prime shape and form to stake a claim to that spot. If the selectors are looking for experience, the Punjab-man demands a serious look in as a Test batsman.
Another veteran who actually has been eying that spot is Virender Sehwag. In the past, he has talked about his desire to bat at number 4 once Tendulkar retires. But the biggest factor against him is his current bad form. He hasn't got a Test ton since Ahmedabad in November 2012.
He hasn't even scored against West Indies A in an on-going series where he has been batting at number four. He got a 38 but it will be bit of a surprise if he gets a chance to bat at that position for India in the near future. But if he gets it, trust Sehwag to succeed.
Then there are players like Ajinkya Rahane, Ambati Rayudu and Gujarat's Manpreet Juneja. It's an open season. But Please. Please, please... don't expect a Sachin Tendulkar.
The sight of the straight lines of the bat on its downswing; the power of the back foot punch; thanks for the memories Sachin. Glad you came - Ian Bishop , former West Indian fast bowler.
BEST TWEETS
Privileged to have seen a child prodigy go on to become a true legend of the game from very close quarters. All the best Sachin. @sanjaymanjrekar
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