India ready for Chepauk Test

It seems like yesterday we were celebrating India’s gigantic Test series win against  Australia in Brisbane and the next series is already ready to rock and roll.

On Friday, at the historic Chepauk in Chennai, Virat Kohli will lead Team India against England in the four-Test series, to be followed by the shorter version of the slam-bang stuff that T20 and ODIs are.

Since the time the Indian team returned home and reams have been written about the heroes and their heroics, and many YouTube posts have thrilled cricket lovers, it is time for an encore.

Stand-in skipper Ajinkya Rahane, the quintessential team-man will again be there as a batsman first under skipper Kohli. Those who have followed Rahane’s career know that he is a selfless cricketer.

The stock of Indian cricket has gone up by miles and in this brand new series, again being played in the Bio Bubble, there is plenty at stake for India. Kohli, hungry as ever, would like to dominate. From the manner in which he spoke at the press conference on Thursday, his thought process appears clear. And a hint of that came when he spoke of how Rishabh Pant, one of the stars of the Brisbane  magic, is certain to play.

There has been huge criticism for Pant, what with his wicket-keeping skills coming under the scanner. Yes, Pant may not be donning the safest pair of gloves but his runs and energy levels are something which cannot be discounted.

To be sure, there is a lot at stake in this series against Joe Root’s boys. The visiting Englishmen are coming into this series after doing well in Sri Lanka. But then, this Indian side is very high on adrenaline and ready to roar at the Chepauk.

When Team India took the field in Brisbane, getting 11 onto the field seemed a challenge. This time, there are plenty of options and the man who will be watched with great interest is local hero R.Ashwin. Back to full fitness after being unable to play in Brisbane, his energy and ability to bowl long spells will count.

Ashwin apart, many players who were injured on the tour Down Under are back. The best combination will be fielded and one can be sure that spin will possibly play an important role in the first two Tests in Chennai.

The weather in Chennai is very good. The temperature is in 30s (Centigrade) and the humidity levels are not that high. It is ideal for cricket, though spectators will not be allowed for the first Test.

For both the teams to be back in the Bio Bubble and play cricket is the new normal. There was a setback for England on Thursday when Zak Crawley was ruled out of the first two Tests after hurting his wrist.

There are many more players who can deliver for England and Root will be hoping he can put India under pressure. Such is the nature of sport the last result does not matter. One has to again go out and start performing where watching James Anderson will be a joy.

It may be tempting to talk of player fatigue and so on but the fact that India have so many options is something good to feel about. For Kohli, personally, there is a lot at stake. He knows and so does coach Ravi Shastri, a series win against England will give them a shot at the ICC World Test Championship final against New Zealand later this summer.

For international cricket to return to India in 2021 is a big bonus after the lows of 2020 when Covid-19 wrecked all sporting activity at home. Mercifully, one will not have to get up at 5am to watch matches, as was the case in Australia. Test cricket, the most pristine form of the game, will be throbbing again.

Over to Chepauk.