'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Even though India has a power packed 11 for every format, overseas Tests are a constant headache. The batters fail to adapt to the conditions and display poor technique while the bowlers struggle to find their length. Thus, Captain Kohli keeps on changing and chopping to get that elusive winning combination.
On the other side, Pakistan lacks quality batsmen. Though their bowling line up is power packed and can create chaos in any conditions, their lack of a prolific scorer haunts them and thus, they are ranked 8th in Tests.
So, today I try to create a combined 11 which not only complement each other but also has the calibre to win overseas.
1. Azhar Ali
After the retirement of Younis Khan and Misbah, the weight of carrying the burden of the team has fallen to Azhar's shoulder and to say that he has done his job to the best of his capabilities will be quite an understatement.
He looks poised, elegant and determined while on the crease and has a sound technique to perform and score runs overseas. The double hundred against Australia under overcast conditions was just a glimpse of his grit and character.
Thus, he deserves to be the opener.
2. Cheteshwar Pujara
Pujara has been a vital cog in the Indian Test team. He is an epitome of determination and class. The 2nd fastest Indian to get to 1000 runs certainly has the temperament of an opener.
As an opener, your main task is to see off the new ball which requires temperament and concentration and Pujara is totally apt for that. He does not have the tendency to poke at wide deliveries and can play marathon innings once he gets settled in.
3. KL Rahul
Rahul is a highly talented batsman. His ability to look graceful on the crease looks pleasing to the eye. He is a busy cricketer who looks solid when he is in the zone.
Giving him some cushion against the swinging conditions and sending him in at 3 would do wonders to his career. Remember the century he scored in his debut series against the Aussies.
Thus, it the captain's duty to utilize him perfectly.
4. Virat Kohli (Captain)
Virat Kohli, the poster boy of world cricket and arguably the best of this generation is currently ranked on the top spot in Tests. Any team without King Kohli is incomplete. The Indian captain has to be there.
This one was obvious, Kohli at 4 will be a no-brainer. He has the confidence, technique and determination. He can win you games single-handedly. The charismatic captain can also motivate the team and show them the correct path during tough times.
5. Ajinkya Rahane
Though his recent form his not by his side, Rahane remains a vital part of Indian Test team.
The Mumbaikar, time and again, has shown his class by piling on runs under tough circumstances. Who could forgot his century at Lord's. He has the technique, the temperament and deserves to be at number 5.
6. Babar Azam
Babar Azam personifies talent. This lad from Pakistan has got it all to be the next big thing. He plays some elegant shots and people often tend to compare him with Virat Kohli.
His stats are tremendous and having him at six will strengthen the lower middle order.
7. Rishabh Pant
Well, Rishabh Pant is a promising young talent who has performed incredibly well in the domestic circuit.
He is a busy cricketer who can come down the order and take full advantage of a tired bowling attack. Pant has the talent to score even a century in a single session.
He could become the next Gilchrist if India nurtures and supports him.
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravi Ashwin has been the hero of many Indian victories. The off-spinner is a perfect example of Test all-rounder.
Having him at 8 will not strengthen the lower middle order but provide the team with a perfect all-round spinner.
9. Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is India's king of swing. The right arm bowler has the ability to swing the ball in both directions. Apart from this, he is handy with the bat.
Thus, Kumar deserves to be at number 9 in this team.
10. Mohd Amir
Amir, the name speaks for itself. He is the Virat Kohli of bowling. He too can swing the bowl and with some serious pace. He has got every weapon in his armour and can run riots on any given day. Also, being a left-armed fast bowler he adds variety to the bowling department.
11. Mohd Abbas
Abbas is the new sensation of Pakistan team. His ability to swing the bowl at around 135 kmph makes him the Bhuvi Kumar of Pak team. His recent performance against Ireland and England were just a glimpse of his potential.
Thus, this right arm fast bowler is totally apt to be on number 11.
Brand-new app in a brand-new avatar! Download CricRocket for fast cricket scores, rocket flicks, super notifications and much more! 🚀☄️
