India’s first home series of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2023–25 against England will begin on January 25 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. With their very successful “Bazball” style of play, the Ben Stokes-led team will travel to India in an attempt to break the Asian giants’ unstoppable home run. Notably, India has only dropped three Test matches out of 46 in the same time frame since 2013, the last time they have lost a home Test series. Former England spinner Monty Panesar spoke candidly about the difficulties facing the Three Lions ahead of the forthcoming five-match series. Panesar was instrumental in England’s most recent victory against India in 2012.
About India’s batting prowess, Monty Panesar said that Rohit Sharma, the captain of his country and the “Don Bradman of turning pitches,” will be crucial for England.
Indian hitters are attacking the spinning ball. They have a little more courage. Rohit Sharma will be the main player for India. When it comes to pitching, he’s like Don Bradman. He has an incredible track record. To stand a chance of winning the Test series, England needs to get rid of Rohit early on. India will resort to Plan B if England can manage to keep Rohit silent. Next, you apply pressure to the younger hitters. That will be crucial, Panesar reportedly stated, according to Hindustan Times.
In India, Rohit Sharma has a 66.73 average.
In particular, Rohit Sharma has a remarkable record when batting in India, having amassed 2002 runs at an average of 66.73 from 26 innings while recording eight hundred and six fifties. With his recent incredible form, the 36-year-old will once again be expected to lead the inexperienced Indian batting team alongside Virat Kohli.
In the WTC rankings, where India is presently ranked second with a points percentage of 54.16 and England is ranked second bottom (eighth) with a points percentage of 15%, the forthcoming series will be very important for both sides.