IND vs SL: 3 Indian Players Who Might Retire From Tests After The Series

Team India are currently playing a white-ball series against West Indies at home. After this series, the Men in Blue will invite Sri Lanka for two Tests and three T20Is. It is pertinent to note that India lost their last Test series by a 2-1 margin against South Africa. They began the tour on a winning note as they emerged victorious in the first Test. However, it was followed by two consecutive losses.

Nevertheless, India would look to bounce back strongly ahead of the two-match Test series at home against Sri Lanka. India are yet to announce its new full-time captain in Test Cricket. As per reports, Rohit Sharma is the frontrunner to take the leadership role. In this article, we take a look at three Indian players who might retire from Test cricket after the series.

IND vs SL: 3 Indian Players Who Might Retire From Tests After The Series

1. Ishant Sharma

   

Currently, India’s most capped Test cricketer, Ishant Sharma might not play Test Cricket for India again. He last featured in a Test match during India’s Test series against New Zealand in November-December 2021. He was included in India’s squad for the Test series against South Africa but didn’t get any opportunity to be part of the playing XI.

If reports are to be believed, the management is looking to groom young talents and has moved on from the tall fast bowler. Chances are pretty high that he won’t be selected in India’s squad for the Test series against Sri Lanka. It shouldn’t come as a surprise if he takes retirement from Tests after the series.

2. Ajinkya Rahane

Indian Cricket has begun its transition phase and looking to rebuild its Test squad. Some of the senior cricketers, thus, have to make way for youngsters in the team and Ajinkya Rahane is likely to be one of them. India’s former vice-captain in Tests, Ajinkya Rahane has been enduring a torrid run with the bat for a long time now. He has looked a shadow of himself in the last couple of years.

However, despite not being in the best of forms, he was backed to do well in South Africa. The 33-year old, once again, failed to impress with the bat. Ahead of the Test series against Sri Lanka, Ajinkya Rahane is likely to be dropped from the Test series. He could well take retirement from Test Cricket as well.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara

India’s one of the most senior members in Test Cricket, Cheteshwar Pujara doesn’t need any introduction. His records speak for themselves. In 95 Tests, he has managed to score 6713 runs at an average of 43.9. However, his form in the last couple of years doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. In South Africa, he scored 124 runs in 3 Tests at 20.67.

His average of 28.08 in 2021 is way less than his career average of 43.9. If reports are to be believed, Pujara is likely to be dropped from the Test squad ahead of the series against Sri Lanka. It might surprise a lot of people but the 34-year-old could take retirement from Test Cricket if that happens.