5 Indian players who should focus solely on Tests
Michael Bevan was one of Australia’s best ODI players, but failed to adapt to the other formatsSome analytical pieces start with metaphors, some start with judgments. I want to start this one with an apology. When you pick five players and request them to stick to the longer format of the game, you don’t mean to tell them they’re bad at the others.The game has seen legends in one format, only to be mediocre in another – the case of Michael Bevan comes to mind first. Dhoni wasn’t an exceptional Test player either and the selfless great that he has been, noticed that before anyone else and decided to take a firm call.There are some genius players who seem to excel at every format of the game – Steve Smith, Joe Root, Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli come to mind. There are some who have the potential, without the stats, like Ajinkya Rahane.However, at times, for the sake of their own career and to enhance their longevity in one format of the game, some players could start focussing on Tests instead of meddling with everything. Here are 5 Indians who have been reasonably good in other formats at times, but are well-served to focus on Tests along going forward.
#1 Murali Vijay
He is referred to, by some as ‘The Monk’, a moniker that is going to stick to him if he has another year in Test cricket like the one he had last year. Vijay’s international career has always been stop-start having blossomed at a time when India had an impregnable batting order.
Now 31 and a half years old to be specific, Vijay is India’s first choice Test opener in all conditions. A swashbuckling batsman who still averages 25 in Twent20 at a strike-rate of 121, Vijay has changed his game phenomenally in the last couple of years to suit Test cricket. He leaves the ball amazingly well and though capable of playing most authentic cricketing shots, from the gorgeous drive and cut to the pull and flick off the pads, Vijay has cut down the risk.
That has translated into tons of runs as well. He has 3003 runs in 76 innings at an average of 40.04, scoring three centuries and eight half-centuries in the two years before 2016. Coming during a time when he opened consistently, away from home, in places like South Africa, Australia and England, those numbers are pretty impressive.
Vijay had opportunities in the ODI side, but he averages just 21.18 in 16 innings with a single half-century. Given he has about 5 years of cricket left in him in the minimum (without a career threatening injury), Vijay has a genuine opportunity to put his names amongst Indian Test greats. As long as he doesn’t lose focus!