No Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma in Test? India's emerging red-ball talent to watch in 2025
India's 2024 struggles, including a home loss to New Zealand and tough series Down Under, have all but ended their WTC final hopes. Amid criticism of Kohli and Rohit, the next generation of red-ball stars are ready to shine in 2025.
Having dominated the Aussies in Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy over the years, the end of 2024 did not appear to have gone India's way. First, the Men in Blue lost a three-match Test series at home against New Zealand. Then, after traveling Down Under, they managed to win only one match, losing two, with one ending in a draw. This has most certainly ended their chances of making it to the final of the World Test Championship (WTC).
Amid all this, fingers are being pointed at the veterans of the game, Virat Kohli and captain Rohit Sharma, who have not been performing up to their potential. While it seems fans are already looking ahead and hoping the younger generation gets their chance, here are the players cricket enthusiasts should keep an eye on in 2025. These players have already made a mark in red-ball cricket and are poised to progress further in the future.
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Age: 21years 214 days
The young lad, who made his debut in the series against Australia, received his cap from his idol, Virat Kohli. He even had the opportunity to bat alongside Kohli and witness him score a century in Perth. Nitish Kumar showed fans a glimpse of his potential, scoring around 40s in his initial outings. However, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), he went a step further and notched his maiden century while his teammates crumbled like a pack of cards. He is poised to be a part of the squad for a long time.
Yashasvi Jasiwal
Age: 23 years
The "Jas-Ball" lad, who showcased fearless cricket, has received praise from all quarters. The opening batter, playing his debut Australian series, showed all how to play some iconic knocks against the mighty Aussies. He scored a remarkable 161 in the second innings at Perth and followed it up with scores of 82 and 84 at the MCG, cementing his place as a dependable opener.
Harshit Rana
Age: 23 years 6 days
After a terrific outing in the Indian Premier League (IPL), he earned the opportunity to make his debut in November against Australia. He showcased his talent by taking three wickets in his first Test, dismissing Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon. Additionally, he contributed seven runs with the bat, including a boundary.
Dhruv Jurel
Age: 23 years 341 days
Having made his debut in February against England, he hasn't had many opportunities to showcase his skills. However, he has demonstrated his mettle in the limited chances he has received. In the fourth Test in Ranchi, Jurel was named Player of the Match for his crucial contributions in both innings. He scored a vital 90 runs in the first innings and added 39 runs in the second.
Washington Sundar
Age: 25 years 84 days
While he made his Test debut in 2021, he has played only 8 matches so far. In the opportunities he has had, he has proven why he is such an important player in the squad. He was part of the heroic team that broke "Gabba ka ghamand" and won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. More recently, especially after R. Ashwin's retirement, he played a crucial knock of 50 runs, forming a 127-run partnership with Nitish Reddy on Day 3 of the Boxing Day Test.
Shubman Gill
Age: 25 years 111 days
After making his Test debut in 2020, he has been a consistent part of the squad. However, in recent games, he has not been part of the playing XI. In fact, he has scored 866 runs from 12 Tests and 22 innings, with a top score of an unbeaten 119, making him the second-highest run-scorer for India in Tests in 2024.
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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