Who is India's best batsman overseas in Tests?
India have dominated Test cricket for the past few months, however, most of it was played in the subcontinent. But how good are our batsmen in overseas conditions? Is there any truth behind the long-standing debate that Indian batsmen struggle to cope with overseas conditions? Here is our detailed analysis of the current Indian crop of batsmen in the sub-continent and overseas conditions.
Kohli is India's best batsman since Sachin
There is no doubt that Virat Kohli has been India's standout performer over the last few years. He is one of the most consistent players. Kohli averages just under 53.40 in Test cricket. In the subcontinent, the 28-year-old boasts an astonishing average of 59.44, whereas in overseas he averages 46.35. Apart from a disastrous England tour, he has performed well in every country.
Does Rohit deserve a spot in the playing XI?
Rohit Sharma is India's most destructive batsman, but he is yet to prove his mettle in the five-day format. With an overall average of 39.77, Rohit has slowly found his way back into the Test squad. However, Rohit averages only 23.90 overseas while in subcontinent that average jumps to 61.06. After his recent performances, claims that he is a 'flat-track-bully' might have some merit.
Pujara's poor run overseas
Cheteshwar Pujara has been a crucial cog in the wheel of Indian cricket since Dravid's retirement. He averages overall 50.51 in Tests, but surprisingly for a cricketer of Pujara's standard, in overseas conditions he averages just 27.31. In subcontinent, he averages a mammoth 65.55. No critic can ever doubt Pujara's technique or talent, but in coming tours he will have to apply that talent.
India need better opening partnerships overseas
India's current best opening batsman, Murali Vijay has an overall average of 40.02. In overseas conditions, his average is 31.43 and on the subcontinent pitches that average jumps to 46.53. Southpaw Shikhar Dhawan averages 42.62 in Test cricket and a massive 58.90 in the subcontinent. However, the Delhi batsman averages just 28.84 overseas. If India need to win overseas, they need better openers.
Making a case for a regular spot
KL Rahul has slowly carved his way into the Indian Test squad with some consistent performances over the last few months. The Karnataka batsman averages 40.50 in Test cricket, whereas, his average in the subcontinent is 42.48. Even, in overseas conditions, Rahul seems to fare decently and has an average of 36.00. 2 of his 4 hundreds have also come in overseas.
Curious case of Ajinkya Rahane
Ajinkya Rahane is the most curious case among the Indian batsman. On the subcontinent pitches, where Indian cricketers have historically thrived, Rahane seems to be on the back-foot, whereas, in overseas conditions the Mumbai man seems to play his best cricket. With an overall average of 43.68, Rahane averages 37.85 in the subcontinent while overseas he averages 52.65.
