IND vs SL: 3 Indian Players For Whom This Could Be The Last Test Series To Perform

In July 2021, a second-string Indian team toured Sri Lanka for a white-ball series. Sri Lanka lost the ODI series but managed to emerge victorious in the T20 series. In February this year, they will be coming to India and will face the senior team for two Tests and three T20 internationals.

Sri Lanka and India last played a Test series against each other in 2017. India won the three-match series by a 1-0 margin. The other two Tests resulted in draws. Sri Lanka will, once again, be playing a Test series in India and it will be interesting to see if they return home with a trophy in hand. India have a remarkable record in Test Cricket at home. Sri Lanka have to fight their skins out to win the series.

India, on the other hand, would be looking to make a strong comeback after having lost their last Test series in South Africa by 2-1. India are yet to announce their new full-time captain in Test Cricket. The BCCI is likely to announce the new skipper soon. If reports are to be believed, Rohit Sharma is the front-runner to take the leadership role. In this article, we take a look at three players for whom the upcoming Test series could be the last one to perform.

IND vs SL: 3 Indian Players For Whom This Could Be The Last Test Series To Perform

1. Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane is no longer India’s vice-captain in Test Cricket. He has constantly been under the scanner in the longest format in the last couple of years. Despite enduring poor numbers, the management kept faith in his abilities and made him play in all three games of the series in South Africa.

Rahane, however, once again, disappointed one and all with his poor figures.  In 3 matches, he managed to score 136 runs at 22.67. There have been reports that he might not be included in India’s squad for the Sri Lanka series. However, if he does, then it will surely be his last chance to perform in the longest format.

2. Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s another experienced Test cricketer, Cheteshwar Pujara too isn’t in the best of forms. Over the years, he has played some remarkable knocks in the longest format. However, his current form doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. His last Test century came in January 2019 against Australia.

In the year 2021, he managed to score 702 runs in 14 matches at an average of 28.08, far lesser than his career average of 43.9. Pujara endured a torrid run in the last Test series in South Africa as he managed to score 136 runs in 3 matches at 22.67. His position too is under the scanner and the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka might be the last one to revive his Test Cricket career.

3. Ishant Sharma:

There is no denying that Ishant Sharma is past his prime. He looked completely out of sorts in the World Test Championship final against New Zealand and didn’t bowl well in England either. The emergence of Indian seamers like Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krisha, etc is making it tough for Ishant Sharma to continue featuring in playing XI in Test Cricket for India.

As per reports, the team management is no longer interesting in Ishant Sharma’s services in Test Cricket. The upcoming series against Sri Lanka, thus, could be the last chance for Ishant Sharma to perform and impress the selectors.