Why India could struggle on England tour; Navjot Sidhu explains
What's the story
Cricketer-turned commentator Navjot Singh Sidhu has voiced his apprehensions regarding the possible effect of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Team India's upcoming tour of England.
The five-match Test series will begin in June, after nearly 10 weeks of T20 cricket in the form of IPL.
"The thing to be worried about is that the IPL is now coming up next. No one is ready to sit out the IPL," Sidhu said.
Condition shift
Sidhu highlights stark contrast in playing conditions
Sidhu stressed on the stark difference between the playing conditions in India and England.
He compared this transition to going from one extreme to another, saying, "Conditions will shift from the North Pole to the South Pole. Completely different."
The former cricketer also pointed out that India's last Test series in the UK began on August 4, while this year's series will end on August 2.
Weather impact
Sidhu warns about England's challenging playing conditions
Sidhu also warned about the tough playing conditions in England in June and July.
He said, "There will be grass and moisture and the air will be so heavy that the ball will gain ample movement. And then it will move more off the seam."
This could be a major challenge for Indian players who are used to different weather conditions back home.
Team composition
Concerns over team's all-rounder situation
Sidhu also raised concerns over India's team combination in Tests, especially all-rounders.
He pointed out the lack of players like Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, and Axar Patel.
"India's biggest problem is that in the middle order there are no all-rounders the way you see in white ball cricket," Sidhu said.
He suggested a mystery spinner, given England's weakness, but doubted if India would expose Varun Chakravarthy.
England
India last won a Test series in England in 2007
India haven't won a Test series in England of late. The trend includes a 4-0 defeat in 2011, 3-1 loss in 2014, and a 4-1 setback in 2018.
India drew their last away Test series in England (2-2 in 2021). It was split due to COVID-19, with England winning the final Test played a year later.
India's recent Test series results haven't been up to the mark either. They suffered defeats to New Zealand (home) and Australia (away).