Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has picked his current World Test XI and the team selection has already raised a few eyebrows. While many expected names found a place in the lineup, the omission of Yashasvi Jaiswal This came as a big surprise, especially considering the left-handed batsman’s impressive record in Test cricket over the years.
Another talking point of Bangar’s selection in the World Test XI was the inclusion of India’s newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill. The youngster was given preference over several established contenders for the crucial No. 4 spot.
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Shubman Gill and KL Rahul included in Sanjay Bangar’s World Test XI
While naming his World Test XI while speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Bangar opted for a combination of experience and aggressive intent at the top of the order. He chose Australia’s Travis Head and India’s Travis Head KL Rahul as their opening pair before reshuffling the middle order to accommodate some of the biggest names in world cricket.
Bangar also favored Joe Root to move to No. 3, citing the English batsman’s vast experience in challenging conditions. Meanwhile, Shubman Gill was selected at No. 4, followed by Steve Smith at No. 5.
“Let me lay out the current world Test level for you. For me, for openers, I want it to be a mix of caution and aggression. So I have picked Travis Head because of the kind of performance I saw in the Ashes with KL Rahul.
“At number three, there were many candidates who would go to bat for me at number four, but there was no one at number three. So I have decided that I will ask Joe Root to bat at number three because he has good experience of batting in seaming and swinging conditions, so he can take care of the new ball. At number four, I will have Shubman Gill. At number five, it will be Steve Smith.”
Pat Cummins appointed captain of World Test XI
Bangar continued with a strong lower middle-order and bowling attack, selecting Rishabh Pant as the wicketkeeper-batsman and Ben Stokes as the team’s all-rounder. He then made his place in the World Test XI with a fast bowling attack comprising three of the best fast bowlers in world cricket.
India’s former batting coach has made Australia’s Pat Cummins the captain of the team, while Mitchell Starc and Jasprit Bumrah have also been included in it. South African Keshav Maharaj Was selected as the only specialist spinner in the XI.
“At number six, the wicket-keeper batsman, I am picking Rishabh Pant. At number seven, an all-rounder in the form of Ben Stokes. At number eight, Mitchell Starc. At number nine, Cummins. At number 10, Jasprit Bumrah. And my only spinner for all conditions will be Keshav Maharaj.
“So, I believe, in the context of the current situation there is a wonderful World XI at Test level that can compete in any conditions. And the captain will be Pat Cummins.”
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Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja were surprisingly dropped from the World Test XI
While Bangar’s World Test XI includes several world-class performers, Yashasvi Jaiswal has been left out of the squad Ravindra Jadeja A few eyebrows are raised.
Jaiswal has been one of the best batsmen since his debut in Test cricket. In just 28 Test matches, the left-handed opening batsman has scored 2,511 runs at an impressive average of 49.23. He already has seven centuries and 13 fifties to his name, with his highest score being 214*. His consistency at the top of the order and ability to score big runs has made him a strong contender for a place in any current World Test XI.
Jadeja’s omission is equally surprising considering his immense importance as an all-rounder. The veteran player has scored 4,095 runs in 89 Test matches at an average of 38.27, which includes six centuries and 28 fifties. With the ball, he has taken 348 wickets at an average of 25.11, including 15 five-wicket hauls and three ten-wicket hauls in three matches.
Jadeja’s ability to contribute in all three departments and Jaiswal’s remarkable start to his Test career could easily earn him a place in the World Test XI.
Sanjay Bangar’s World Test XI: Travis Head, KL Rahul, Joe Root, Shubman Gill, Steve Smith, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ben Stokes, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Jasprit Bumrah and Keshav Maharaj.