India's dominance in Test cricket at home over the past 12 years is nothing short of remarkable. They have been nearly invincible on their own turf, having lost only three out of 44 Tests played in their backyard during this period. This includes an impressive streak of 16 successive series wins, including seven series sweeps. No other team in the history of Test cricket has achieved such a level of dominance at home.
To put this achievement into perspective, it surpasses the great West Indies side of the 1980s and the dominant Australian team of the early 2000s. India's success at home can be attributed to several factors, including favourable pitch conditions, a potent bowling attack capable of exploiting those conditions, and a batting lineup that consistently churns out runs.
However, two players have been instrumental in India's home dominance – Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. These two spinners have formed a deadly combination that has wreaked havoc on opposition teams, particularly on turning tracks in India. Their ability to consistently take wickets and apply pressure on the opposition has been a game-changer for India.
Ashwin, in particular, has been a standout performer. Since 2012, he has taken 283 wickets from 46 Tests at an average of just over 19. His ability to adapt and improve his craft over the years is a testament to his dedication and skill. Ashwin's experience and knowledge of Indian conditions make him a potent weapon for India.
While Jadeja is often seen as a supporting act to Ashwin, he is a match-winner in his own right. His left-arm spin and deliveries that dart straight make him a tricky customer for any batter, especially on turning tracks. Jadeja has taken 191 wickets from 39 Tests during this period, and his partnership with Ashwin has been instrumental in India's success.
As India prepare to face England in the first Test of the upcoming series, the focus will once again be on the Ashwin-Jadeja duo. The pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium is expected to offer turn and grip, which could further play into their hands. England has experienced the duo's prowess in the past, and they will be wary of the challenge posed by these two spinners.
In all likelihood, India will include a third spinner in the playing XI, with Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav being the likely candidates. This would add another dimension to England's challenge, as they will have to contend with a trio of spinners who can exploit the conditions to their advantage.
One of the challenges for the hosts will be the absence of Virat Kohli, who has opted to skip the opening two Tests for personal reasons. Kohli has been a formidable presence against England in Test cricket, amassing 1991 runs from 28 matches with five centuries. His ability to perform on grand occasions will be sorely missed by India.
In Kohli's absence, the middle-order batting responsibility will fall on the likes of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul, with KS Bharat taking up wicketkeeping duties. Despite the absence of their talisman, India remain a formidable team, and England will have their work cut out for them.
England's preparations for the series have been marred by the controversy surrounding the delayed processing of young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir's Indian visa. Skipper Ben Stokes expressed his disappointment for the 20-year-old rookie, highlighting the disruption this issue has caused to the team's plans.
However, England, under the leadership of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, has shown the ability to play an exciting brand of cricket. While they face a formidable challenge in India, they are not incapable of pulling off a surprise. Joe Root and Stokes will be crucial for England, with both batters needing to contribute significantly with the bat.
England's decision to opt for three spinners, led by left-arm spinner Jack Leach, reflects their acknowledgment of the challenging conditions in India. Another left-arm spinner, Tom Hartley, will make his debut, with Rehan Ahmed providing the leg-spin option. Mark Wood will be the sole pacer in the side. None of England's picked spinners have significant experience in Indian conditions, and they may find it challenging to adapt quickly.
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