The England national cricket team are scheduled to visit India in January 2024 for a five-game Test series against the Men in Blue, who have been in fine form of late, especially at home. Speaking about his team's prospects, former England bowler Monty Panesar pinpointed one significant strength in the Indian batting line-up at present, while heralding Rohit Sharma as the "key man". (More Cricket News)
Furthermore, Panesar compared the Indian skipper to the legendary Don Bradman, albeit with a caveat attached.
"Indian batters are attacking against the turning ball. They are a bit more fearless. The key man for India is going to be Rohit Sharma. He's the Don Bradman of turning pitches," said Panesar in an interview with the Hindustan Times.
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"His record is unbelievable. England have to get Rohit out early right through to have a chance of winning the Test series. If England can keep Rohit quiet, India will be going to Plan B. You then put the younger batters under pressure. That is going to be key."
Sharma was in fine form when India visited South Africa for a month-long tour, contesting three One Day Internations, three T20 Internationals, and two Tests. Despite the comprehensive nature of their outing, Sharma only captained and played for India in the two Test matches, having attained an exemption from the white ball section of the series from the Board of Control for Cricket in India. He returned to the side for the Tests, losing and winning one, which, in turn, enabled India to return home without facing defeat outrightly in any of their tour legs.
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Back home, India will face England in five Tests, starting from January 25, 2024. The series will conclude on March 11, nearly two months after it is scheduled to begin.
