Test cricket is the sport’s truest and oldest format, as well as the most thrilling. To make it through five days of tough cricket, a player needs guts, dedication, and a tremendous fitness level. T20 cricket, on the other hand, is completely unpredictable, since anyone may come up with a match-winning effort on any given day.
In an alternative universe where IPL franchises begin to play Test Cricket, it is a vision that every cricket enthusiast would like to see come true. Talking about IPL, we cannot miss the name of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) who have seen several veterans don their jerseys over the years.
On that note, let’s take a look at the strongest RCB XI if they played Test Cricket.
Openers – KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara
KL Rahul is among the most elegant and talented batsmen of the modern era who can adapt to all formats easily. He is a versatile batter and has the ability to play at different positions as per the team’s needs. Rahul has featured in 37 Test matches scoring 2116 runs at an average of 35.26 including five centuries and 12 half-centuries.
Cheteshwar Pujara is the most reliable batsman in the current Indian cricket team. His ability to hold one end and wear off the bowlers makes him a genuine Test match player. Pujara has 6283 runs in 87 Tests at a significant average of 45.86 including 18 tons and 29 fifties making him a surety in the RCB XI if they played Test Cricket
Middle Order – J Kallis, Virat Kohli, Rahul Dravid, Ab De Villiers
A veteran of South African cricket and one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, Jacques Kallis will handle the responsibility of No.3 in this lineup. He is among the few players who have excelled at the top level in both aspects of the game. Kallis’ records in Test cricket for the Proteas are unmatchable. The allrounder has featured in 166 Tests scoring 13289 runs at an average of 55.37 including 45 centuries and 58 half-centuries. He also has 292 wickets under his belt in the longest format at an average of 32.65.
Talking about RCB and missing the name of Virat Kohli is impossible. The best batsman of the present generation and the skipper of the Indian cricket team, Kohli will lead this side. Kohli has already reached legendary status at the age of 32 and his records suggest the same. The Indian skipper has 7547 runs to his name in 93 Tests at an average of 51.69, including 27 centuries and 25 half-centuries. Not only with the bat, but Kohli has also led the Indian team to glory, winning five successive Test maces and finishing as runners-up in the Inaugural WTC.
Known as ‘The Wall’, Rahul Dravid was one of the finest and greatest batsmen in Test cricket. Dravid has guided India to several victories, and his innings in the Kolkata Test against Australia is still considered as one of the best knocks. Dravid has represented India in 164 Tests scoring 13288 runs at an average of 52.31 including 36 hundred and 63 fifties.
The Mr.360 of cricket, Ab De Villiers, is unarguably the most complete batsman in cricket. He can easily adapt to every format of the game and perform at the pinnacle. Despite being known for his unorthodox brand of cricket, De Villiers has excelled in the longest format of the game. The South African has played 114 Tests and has scored 8765 runs at an average of over 50 including 22 centuries and 46 half-centuries.
Spinners – Anil Kumble and Daniel Vettori
Daniel Vettori was one of the most prolific bowling all-rounders in Test cricket. He is among the eight players to score 3000+ runs as well as grab 300+ wickets. Vettori has represented the Kiwis in 113 Tests, taking 362 wickets, including 20 five-wicket hauls. Also, he has scored 4531 runs at a decent average of 30 and has six centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name.
Pioneer of Indian cricket, Anil Kumble, was undoubtedly one of the best spin bowlers in world cricket. He has been India’s key asset and is only the second bowler after Jim Laker to secure ten wickets in a single inning. Kumble has featured in 132 Tests, grabbing 619 wickets, including 35 five-wicket hauls. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the history of Test cricket.
Pacers – Dale Steyn, Umesh Yadav, and Zaheer Khan
Dale Steyn was one of the deadliest and lethal fast bowlers in Test cricket. His ability to swing at an extreme pace made him an unplayable bowler and was a nightmare to the batters. Steyn holds the record was being the No.1 ranked bowler for 2343 days. He has 439 wickets to his name in 93 Tests at an average of just 22.9 and is also the fastest South African to take 100 wickets.
Umesh Yadav is known for his ability to bowl at sheer pace and moving the ball both ways. He is a part of India’s current pace bowling setup and has consistently proved his mettle with his performances. Yadav has played 48 Tests and has 148 wickets to his name at an average of 30.54. He has impressed in both sub-continent and overseas conditions, which makes him a deadly bowler.
Zaheer Khan was the leader of the Indian pace attack and was unarguably one of the best fast bowlers. His skill to swing the new ball and reverse the old one made him an effective bowler and has been exceptional in every condition. Zaheer has 311 wickets to his name in 92 Tests at an average of 32.94 and was a vital resource in the Indian bowling lineup.
