'Senior players like Rohit and Kohli...': Hussain identifies India's major issue in Tests

India stands as a formidable force when playing Test cricket on home soil. Their nearly invincible stature becomes evident when examining their recent track record. The secret behind India's triumphant home stand extends beyond just the presence of world-class spinners thriving on spin-friendly pitches. Another critical factor is the spinners' consistent ability to contribute runs from the lower batting order.

3 things you need to know

• India will next play a Test match against England in Jan 2024
• India made it to the WTC finals in both the editions
• Former England captain points out major flaw in India's Test side

Also Read: 'The Next Test For Bazball': Ex-England Captain Warns Ben Stokes & Co Ahead Of India Tour

Nasser Hussain highlights India's major issue in Tests

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has emphasized the significance of a seam-bowling all-rounder like Ben Stokes or Cameron Green to maintain team balance during overseas Tests for India. Hussain highlighted India's brilliance at home due to the presence of genuine all-rounders, but the team faces challenges abroad due to the absence of a similar player.

The absence of a batting contributor who can also deliver crucial overs of seam and swing bowling in the middle diminishes their overseas performance, according to Hussain. Although India briefly enjoyed the services of Hardik Pandya as a Test player, his susceptibility to injuries, particularly a back injury, has altered the team dynamics. 

"They've (India) got senior players like Rohit and obviously Virat and they are just world-class players and they've got youngsters coming in, like Shubman (Gill), who's going to be a superstar," Hussain said. 

"If Jasprit (Bumrah) can come back as well, one of the great multi-format bowlers there is at the moment, if not the best, when fit. So, they've got those senior players and youngsters, and with the ball in India, those three all-rounders, and they are genuine all-rounders in India - Axar (Patel), (Ravindra) Jadeja and (Ravichandran) Ashwin. That, for me, is a really balanced side because then you've got a No.7," Hussain said in the ICC Review.

"It's away from home and the balance of the side and if they can get a seam bowling all-rounder. Hardik (Pandya) would've been perfect if Hardik had stayed fit and continued that process."

India need a cricketer like Stokes, Green or Mitch Marsh: Nasser Hussain

"A cricketer India need at the moment is a (Ben) Stokes-type cricketer, a Cameron Green-type cricketer, a Mitchell Marsh-type cricketer, a batter at No.6 or No.7, away from home, that can bowl you 10 or 15 overs of genuine wicket-taking seam and swing, not a bowler who bats a bit, a batter who can give you 10 overs of seam bowling, and then that balance away from home makes them (India) formidable," he added.

Also Read: England Opener Zak Crawley Looks To Test India With Bazball Approach Next Year, Wants To Adapt To Pitches

With iconic figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli alongside promising talents like Shubman Gill, India is undoubtedly equipped with an impressive blend of experience and youth. However, the absence of a versatile cricketer akin to Stokes, Green, or Marsh - someone who can bat at No. 6 or 7 and also provide effective seam bowling - continues to challenge India's prowess in overseas matches.

Image: AP