India vs Afghanistan test: 3 Indian players who will use this game to cement their place in the team

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja has been a constant figure in India’s test match team over the past few years. The left arm off spinner has in combination with Ravichandran Ashwin helped in many successes for India at home.

But ever since the phenomenal rise of Hardik Pandya and his elevation into the test team, Jadeja’s position isn’t that secure anymore. He will, without a doubt, play the only test against Afghanistan as the conditions would be in his favor, but will that cement his place for the tour of England?

That’s a tricky question which could be answered in this test match. In English conditions, India would most likely go in with one frontline spinner in Ravichandran Ashwin, unless the pitch is a rank turner. So the question is how can Jadeja increase his chances of being picked over Hardik Pandya in England?

Well, the answer lies in his batting. Jadeja is in the side as a bowling all-rounder and that’s what he needs to display against Afghanistan a complete all-round performance. He has thrown away his wickets very cheaply on many occasions.

This test match against Afghanistan gives him the perfect platform to deliver with the ball, field and catch like he usually does, and also show resilience with the bat. He must go in with the mindset to bat and bat long.

If things go to plan and he does have a good all-round game, then with India’s strong fast bowling line-up Ravindra Jadeja can pip Hardik Pandya as the all-rounder for the tour of England. The stage is set, it's upto Jadeja to now grab the opportunity with both hands and cement his place in the test team irrespective of the conditions.