Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar feels a seam-bowling all-rounder will be ideal for the Indian Test team in New Zealand keeping in mind the conditions there.
While Bangar largely retained the squad that played against Bangladesh at home in November, Vijay Shankar was one name that he wishes to see in the squad for the two Tests.
Shankar was part of India’s World Cup squad before an injury cut short his campaign and he has not played international cricket after that.
“If they go in with 17 players, then there is a place for a reserve batsman and all-rounder. Now New Zealand conditions are ideal for seam-bowling all-rounders,” Bangar said on ‘ESPNcricinfo’.
“You see what an impact Colin de Grandhomme has had on the New Zealand team. So someone like Vijay Shankar can be an ideal candidate for that slot, given he is fit wherein it gives the right balance to the squad if he bats at No. 6.
“It will also give India a batting depth and a fifth bowling option.”
The series is part of the World Test Championship and if India wins, the prospects of reaching 2021 final will be high.
For the reserve batsman, Bangar mentioned Prithvi Shaw’s name, but the Mumbai player has pulled out of the India ‘A’ shadow tour of New Zealand because of a recent injury he suffered during a Ranji Trophy game.
The Indian selectors are all set to announce the squad for the Test as well as limited-overs series. There will be debates over the third opener. As per reports, both Shubman Gill and KL Rahul will vie for the third opener’s slot while Bengal’s Abhimanyu Easwaran is also a good candidate for the same.
In the recent past, a lot of opening batsmen have been performing well in the Ranji Trophy and the selectors will definitely have a difficult time picking the third opener.
