The foundation for transition in Test team has been laid with Ranchi Test: Pragyan Ojha

Former spinner Pragyan Ojha has India’s win over England in the fourth Test of the ongoing five-match series marks the beginning of the team’s transition phase. India have been without some key players for the ongoing series but still managed to clinch the series with a match to spare.

The likes of Virat Kohli and Mohammed Shami were not available for the series while KL Rahul has not played after suffering an injury in the first Test. However, the youngsters have risen to the occasion and played a key role in the series’ triumph. The architects of India’s win in Ranchi were youngsters such as Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel, Akash Deep, and Shubman Gill.

In the first innings, Akash Deep blew England’s top-order away by taking three wickets in quick succession on his debut. In-form Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 73 runs at the top of the order before an inexplicable collapse saw India getting reduced to 177 for 7 in reply to England’s first innings total of 353. Jurel then played a fine knock of 90 runs to help India post 307.

In the second innings, India were reeling at 120 for 5 while chasing 192 runs on a tough pitch. England were firmly in the driver’s seat before Shubman Gill and Jurel stitched together an unbeaten partnership of 72 runs to take the team home.

Pragyan Ojha on win in Ranchi:

Speaking to Cricbuzz, Pragyan Ojha said that the win in Ranchi has laid the foundation for transition in India’s Test team. The former India spinner recalled how the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane were ready to lead the charge in the Test team after the retirement of some legendary players and said that the Indian team will need a similar transition once the senior players retire.

“Yes, the transition is always visible. Like, before Virat Kohli, there were the legendary players like Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman and Sachin Paaji. Gradually after them, the likes of Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane took charge,” said Pragyan Ojha.

“Now you will hope that when Kohli gets ready (to retire), that’s up to him, but when he is ready, there should be two or three players ready to take Indian Test cricket forward. The foundation for it has been laid today.

“This win will give a lot of confidence. Even if you get wicket or not, make runs or not, but winning a Test match or a Test series gives a lot of confidence especially when you talk about young players,” he added.

No #ViratKohli & #MohammedShami throughout the series 👀#KLRahul gets injured after the 1st #INDvENG Test 😱#India still go on to win the series vs #England 🔥

Pragyan Ojha praises #TeamIndia's youngsters, on #CricbuzzChatter pic.twitter.com/B1gnmvvj5I

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) February 28, 2024