What should also strengthen the local team is the incorporation of the captain virat Kohli to a solid batting formation and his incredible recent triumph in Australia.
“India will start as favorites after a thrilling victory over Australia, overcoming all obstacles. When you add Virat Kohli’s name to the batting order, the team suddenly takes on a bulletproof cloak,” Chappell wrote in his column for ‘ ESPNcricinfo ‘.
“By also adding the names R Ashwin, Hardik Pandya and Ishant Sharma to the list of available players, India takes on an unbeatable appearance.”
The high-priced series begins in Chennai on February 5.
Chappell feels that India’s formidable superior order may tip the balance in favor of the home team, despite England sweeping Sri Lanka 2-0 recently.
“… The availability of a premium player in Ben Stokes who, like (Hardik) Pandya, provides comprehensive ability and selection flexibility, albeit at a higher level than the Indian, is a huge advantage. And Jofra Archer adds substantially to the quality of an already strong rhythm attack.
“However, it is the top of the order for England, where another returning player, Rory Burns, will reside, where the balance tips in favor of India.
“The top three from India feature an impressive Shubman Gill, a talented but flawed Rohit Sharma and the indomitable Cheteshwar Pujara, putting them well ahead of England’s first rank.
He says it will add a lot of pressure on Joe Root if the duo of Dom Silbey and Rory Burns fails.
“Dom Sibley has the courage and determination necessary for success at the highest level, but there are doubts about his technique against the best international bowlers.
“Burns is another in the same category as Sibley, and if both players fail in challenges, England will be in trouble unless Joe Root continues to score at his current monster level.
“Zak CrawleyLike his Indian counterpart Gill, he is talented and has great potential. However, their lack of contribution in Sri Lanka raises concerns that must be resolved quickly and there is no better place or time to do so than in India. ”
He also spoke about the bowling attack of both teams, saying that there is not much difference in that department.
“Archer’s presence, along with the skill and experience of stalwart Jimmy Anderson and Stuart broad, would normally give England an advantage in the rhythm department.
“However, India’s improvement in that category is amply illustrated by their performance in matching Australia’s much-vaunted attack speed in two consecutive away series.
“India not only has quality rhythm bowling now, but it also has it in comforting quantities following the depth shown in Australia.”
Even the middle order of both teams is equally strong, according to Chappell.
“Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh pants and the possible addition of Pandya have India in a good position to make the most of any good start.
“England is in a similar position with Stokes and Jos Buttler like their lethal weapons. The possible return of Ollie Pope would add some reliability to the threatening nature of that section of the batting order.
“However, Buttler’s departure after a single test and the possible return of Ravindra Jadeja the Indian lineup would swing the balance even more in favor of the local team. ”
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