The fourth Test of the Investec Series saw India succumb to one of its worst defeats ever, psychologically speaking. Most Indian players performed very poorly in the match, save a few exceptions such as the new fast bowling discovery – Varun Aaron. We rate the performance of each “Young Millionaire”, as Times of India calls them.
Gautam Gambhir : 1/10
Gambhir was thrown out of the Indian team for looking completely out of form and woefully out depth in Test cricket, unable to handle the tough task of opening the batting for India against quality quick bowlers. Not much as changed since, given the evidence of his performance in this Test. It was painful to watch Gambhir struggle.
Murali Vijay: 1/10
One of the better performers of tour for India, he failed in both innings at Old Trafford. Can’t blame him for one of the dismissals, as he was unfortunate enough to get an unplayable delivery from James Anderson.
Cheteshwar Pujara: 1/10
Once again, India’s best batsman struggled to make an impact. Was out to a dodgy decision in the second innings, but there has been no sign of the Pujara of old, the man who makes big hundreds, on this tour.
Virat Kohli: 0/10
If the England tour has done anything, it has completely destroyed Kohli’s reputation. People will never see him the same way again, never again will he be seen as a world beater or a great batsman. His frailty against high quality seam bowling has been fully exposed. Consider this – Kohli has faced 30 balls against James Anderson, made 7 runs, got out 4 times, making a grand total of 108 in all in this tour. His scores in this match? 0 and 7.
Ajinkya Rahane: 2/10
A lot depended on Rahane and a lot was expected from him, but he inploded at Old Trafford after having done spectacularly well earlier. Hopefully he will do better at the Oval Test starting this Friday.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni: 4/10
Dhoni gets 8/10 as a batsman, but as a captain his performance can only be rated as 0. Dhoni’s innings saved India in the first innings from complete humiliation, but his captaincy was woeful, and every decision taken by him was wrong, including the decision to bat first on winning the toss. His field placements were too negative and bowling changes completely illogical and defensive. His days as India’s long time captain seem to be numbered.
Ravindra Jadeja: 0/10
Is the guy even serious? India had lost half their side for 52 runs, staring at an innings defeat and what does the man do? Step out of the crease to old enemy James Anderson and slog him for a four in only his second ball. Naturally the bravado was short lived as he was out easily to Moeen Ali in the very next over. Pathetic performance by a player who really shouldn’t be playing Test cricket for India.
Ravichandran Ashwin: 7/10
Ashwin gets a decent rating for his batting as he was easily India’s best batsman, coming in at No. 8. His batting was so good that he at times reminded one of the great VVS Laxman. If only his bowling was half as good. Surprising, because he has been picked as a bowler. Perhaps he should be batting at No. 6 in the next match, ahead of Dhoni.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 6/10
Kumar is a trier and a hard worker. He knows his limitations and does his best within them. He was decent in this match, but couldn’t do much.
Varun Aaron: 9/10
Finally, India have somebody who bowls at a pace upwards of 140 kmh. A genuine fast bowler, somebody who puts the fear of life into the opposition batsmen, in spite of all the protective gear – ask Stuart Broad, if you think I am overstating things. Aaron was brilliant, devastating and would have got many more wickets had Dhoni used him better. But there is no doubt that he has a great future for India if he remains injury free.
Pankaj Singh: 3/10
Pankaj is an honest worker, but there is a reason he struggles to get wickets. He is just not good enough for Test cricket. Surely there are better bowlers in India.
