New Delhi, August 12: India is set to face Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series starting August 15. This series is crucial for the World Test Championship (WTC), according to former spinner Murali Kartik. He emphasized its significance not only for the WTC standings but also for Ravindra Jadeja’s career.
In an interview, Kartik stated, “This is a vital tour. It is important from the perspective of spinners and the WTC. Currently, we are fifth in the WTC table. Our performance in red-ball cricket has not been impressive, and this has been widely discussed.”
Ravindra Jadeja brings valuable experience to the Sri Lanka tour. Kartik remarked, “From a spin perspective, this is critical. Jadeja has done remarkably well for Indian cricket and is now in the twilight of his career. This is a crucial phase for him. The way Manav Suthar performed against Afghanistan was touching for anyone who understands Indian cricket.”
Kuldeep Yadav, the chinaman bowler, is also part of the Indian squad for the Sri Lanka tour. Kartik noted, “Kuldeep has been a match-winner for India. Unfortunately, during Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s captaincy, things didn’t go well for him. He hasn’t been getting opportunities. Remember the five Tests in England? Everyone kept asking, where is Kuldeep? He sat out. It’s essential to see if he can step up as a leader now that Jadeja is nearing the end of his career.”
Kartik believes it will be challenging to fill the void left by Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. He stated, “Pujara and Rahane are no longer in the team. We talk about scoring runs, but these players are absent. Replacing them, along with managing spin, is a significant responsibility. Can Kuldeep become a leader? We will find out during this series, as it is very important.”
Regarding the Sri Lankan team, Kartik raised questions about their lineup. “Sri Lanka just played their first Test match. They have Prabath Jayasuriya as their main spinner and Ramesh Mendis as well. They have also called up Kishore Nuwanta, a young off-spin all-rounder. Prabath is a left-arm spinner, and India has struggled against left-arm spinners in the last two home series. Simon Harmer was an exception. I want to know how the Indian batting lineup will handle Jayasuriya’s challenge and analyze the Sri Lankan spin attack, as Ramesh Mendis hasn’t played much red-ball cricket.”
Kartik added, “Given the recent performances of Team India against spin, every team will want to attack India. No one would have thought this, but considering the conditions, if it remains hot, you won’t see long spells from fast bowlers. It will be interesting to see how the venues, Galle and Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC), play out.”
“The last time at SSC, the ball spun more than at other places, where Wriddhiman Saha had excellent wicketkeeping during India’s tour. From my perspective, the spinners selected indicate that they plan to attack India. India has also tried to prepare well. Just think about how many spinners they have brought along. Having several reserve spinners will be beneficial against them. I hope they come well-prepared for these two Test matches.”
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