BackLet’s not make too much of Virat Kohli’s first series win
India's true test will come when it plays the big boys of cricketSouth Africa, England, Australia, even Pakistan
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The first win in an away series in Sri Lanka in 22 years is something worth celebrating. As is a first away-series win against any country since 2011. And the fact that this is young Virat Kohli’s first (complete) series as captain can’t be ignored. There is much to like about the young man. He is brash and aggressive, much like new India. And he has been talking the language cricket enthusiasts (is that a bad word, now?) have been for several decades—five bowlers.
Yet, it doesn’t make sense to make too much of the win.
For one, the series was gripping simply because it was one between two average teams. India is ranked 5th and Sri Lanka 7th. Both are far better in shorter formats of the game. Sri Lanka is the top ranked T20 side in the world (India is at #4). And India is the second ranked ODI side (Sri Lanka is at #5). Both teams are still in the process of rebuilding their test teams. And both have young captains trying to find their way.
India’s true test will come when it plays the big boys of cricket—South Africa, England, Australia, even Pakistan.
For now, after all the celebrations, India need to ask itself some tough questions.
Will the five-bowler theory, which has been widely acclaimed, survive a tour to England, Australia, or South Africa? That’s where the batsmen’s shortcomings against the moving ball will be exposed. Don’t forget in all three tests India needed its last five batsmen to come to the party to stay competitive.
Will R. Ashwin be the force he was in Sri Lanka in England or Australia?
Has Ishant Sharma finally arrived? (It seems cruel to ask this question of a man who has taken 200 test wickets, but it must be asked particularly given his record of breaking down at crucial moments)?
Who are the four pace bowlers India will play on overseas wickets?
Who is the team’s first choice wicket keeper?
And who will join M.Vijay, Kohli, and Ajinkya Rahane in the top five batting positions?
The answers to those questions—Kohli will have a role to play in answering them—will decide whether India belongs in the high table in test cricket. And it will decide whether Kohli, arguably one of the best batsmen in the world (although not on current form), can also become a great captain.
Indian cricket has faced similar questions in the past. The team has previously flattered, only to deceive.
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