Top candidates for India’s No. 6 Test position: Who fits best in the middle-order? Will India be keen to bring Shreyas Iyer or Sarfaraz Khan?
Team India have produced their best batting display in the ongoing Test series against England as they have scored the most runs (3602) in a Test series with five or more Tests. However, a few India batters have failed to live up to expectations, and hence, there are spots up for grabs when India next play a Test series against West Indies in October.
Karun Nair, who played four Tests, could manage just 205 runs at 25.62. He played at various positions at No. 3, No. 5 and No 6. during the series, and could manage just one fifty at No 5 in the Oval Test. Nair has been indecisive in his footwork, and has fallen edging behind to hard-length balls, thus exposing the weakness in his game.
Meanwhile, Sai Sudharsan showed good promise at No 3, and India’s management could continue with him at this spot for the next Test series as well. When Rishabh Pant, who has been designated the No 5 spot in the England series, is back to take the spot, the discussion will be on for the No 6th batter.
Read More: Karun Nair’s Test comeback marred by failure to convert starts
So, who are the batters who could take up the No 6th spot in India’s Test XI?
Here’s a look at how India batters have fared at No. 5 and No. 6 since 2021. Although the search is on for No. 6, it’s only now that Pant has made the No. 5 his own. India could possibly interchange No 5. or No 6. spots depending on the match situations.
How do they stand out at No. 5 and No. 6?
Pant has been the best India batter at No. 5 and No. 6. His recent performance at No. 5 in the England series makes him favourite to start at this spot come the home series against West Indies. KL Rahul, another consistent batter at No 5 and 6, is out of contention for this spot as he has reserved the opener’s spot after his two tons in the England series. Ajinkya Rahane has been discarded, and does not look to make any comeback to Test cricket in the near future. Ravindra Jadeja has shown good game sense batting lower down the order, and could bat at No 6 depending on the situation, but it would be a make-shift position.
Shreyas Iyer ahead of others
It leaves the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and Shreyas Iyer to push harder in domestic cricket, and claim a spot back in the India’s Test squad. Shreyas has been the most consistent batter for India and other domestic teams in recent times in limited-overs cricket, and could make a comeback to the Test squad when India next play a home Test series. Iyer has scored 700-plus runs at No 5 and No 6, with 5 fifties and one ton until his apparent weakness against short ball cost him the place in the Test squad. But Iyer is a much-improved batter now, and would be just the right batter at No 6 to rally with lower-order to take India to winning position.
Read More: India’s selectors wrong in not picking Shreyas Iyer for England Tests?
Sarfaraz Khan in the mix
Sarfaraz played well in his debut Test series, scoring his maiden ton in just his fourth Test of his career during the home series against New Zealand last year. However, he didn’t get a single chance to bat in the Test series Down Under, and was subsequently dropped. However, Sarfaraz has shed a few extra kilos and looks fitter and leaner. He could be back in contention as India looks to build a Test team for the future.
Other contenders who could take up no. 6 spot
Rajat Patidar, Suryakumar Yadav stand an outside chance
Rajat Patidar had a poor start to his Test career, managing just 63 runs in three Tests. However, he is valued highly as he has a good First-Class record of close to 5000 runs. He has also shown good leadership qualities in recent times, leading Royal Challengers Bengaluru to maiden IPL title, and Madhya Pradesh to the final of Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2024-2025. He could be part of a leadership group to help out Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant.
Suryakumar Yadav played his only Test in 2023 against Australia where he managed just 8 runs. However, SKY brings in aggressive instinct in his batting and could play impact innings lower down the order at No 6. to take India to winning positions. Hence, he too stands an outside chance of making it to the Test squad.
Read More: Does Sai Sudharsan deserve a long run at no. 3 for India in Tests?
