The Indian Ocean lapsing into liquid sighs and roaring waves is entwined with Galle’s topography. This coastal town with a colonial past is leafy and charming. In this Sri Lankan amalgam of fine aesthetics and overwhelming history, India is seeking a fresh path in Tests.
What Is Similar
It is no surprise that India is placed fifth in the current ICC World Test Championship rankings, and in a cycle that would also feature clashes against Australia, the time for instant revival is now. Coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Gill get a chance to get over transition blues and chase success. Men with impeccable legacies have walked into their twilight. In a fresh era, one that misses Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R. Ashwin, the team-management has to guide the caravan ahead. At different points in the past, batons have been passed smoothly in batsmanship, be it from Sunil Gavaskar to Sachin Tendulkar, or from the latter to Kohli. However, a medley of retirements, injuries and selectorial interventions like the refusal to pick Mohammed Shami does leave the squad in a state of flux. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya is the latest among the twirly men, keen to prove his mettle against the visiting Indians. In the rival quarter, Kuldeep Yadav would prefer a steady position in the playing XI. He is a spinner who should not be allowed to wither away.
Trade-offs
More clues may be gleaned when the squad trains at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday (August 13). From bustling Colombo, Gill’s men, after a good warm-up fixture, travelled past green hills, and are taking in the sights of the Indian Ocean. There is no message in a bottle from the seas, but if Rishabh Pant could revive his batting style of fury and fun, India would be better placed.