India have been unfortunate as far as fitness is concerned. In the ongoing series against England, they have struggled to field a first-choice XI in two of the three Tests and are again set to be without the services of two top names in the Mumbai Test which begins Thursday.
Middle order batsman Ajinkya Rahane sustained a finger injury that ruled him out of the entire series while pace spearhead Mohammed Shami is most likely to be rested as he has soreness in his knee. The good news, however, is that regular opener KL Rahul will be back after what has been a frustrating struggle with fitness.
India have been forced to contend with injuries to regular wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha and all-rounder Hardik Pandya as well, which has completely altered the team composition.
While so many injuries are never a good sign, the situation is understandable as players like Rahul, Rahane and Pandya were out after suffering hits to the body. Even so, the fact is the management has had to search far and wide for replacements and full marks to the Indian team for sustaining its standards despite such personnel issues.
The Indians are 2-0 up in the five Test series and with two matches to go, will be fairly relaxed.
While England failed to take the initiative during key moments in the Vizag and Mohali Tests, the Indians rose to the occasion and won those matches. What has helped Virat Kohli’s side is that the players who are fit have made it count.
Kohli and middle order mainstay Cheteshwar Pujara have scored runs when it mattered and spin all-rounders – Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Jayant Yadav – have made critical contributions. The quicks – Shami and Umesh Yadav – have made their presence felt and that has provided the Indians with a definite edge.
The biggest positive so far for the Indians has been their ability to stay on track despite players going in and out. During the ill-fated 2011 tour of England, the Indians suffered similar injury setbacks but crashed to a 4-0 series defeat. That team was full of superstars and the next set of players couldn’t match expectations.
However, this team is all about the process and players coming in have taken up the responsibility expertly. While Jayant has been exceptional with his temperament, wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has been steady with the bat and if someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar replaces Shami Thursday, one can expect him to deliver the goods because he is a proven performer on the world stage.
The constant changes have allowed the Indians to gauge the bench strength. The players coming in have the luxury of testing themselves against a top side like England without compromising on the results. Credit must be given to Kohli and the team management for creating a structure and work environment where those entering the dressing room seem more likely to succeed.
While there are no certainties in sport, the confidence in the Indian team and the form of its key players makes me believe they can cope with most fitness eventualities. The only downside to the whole exercise is what will happen when every player regains his fitness?
