Playing XI when India last played against Pakistan in Test cricket

India and Pakistan do not engage regularly in cricket at the moment. While the ICC events throw opportunities for limited-overs encounters between the nations, it was way back in 2007 that India and Pakistan last played a Test against each other. The game was held in December 2007 in Bengaluru. In this article, we take a look at the playing XI when India last played against Pakistan in Test cricket.

Obviously, many of the players part of that team have already retired on both sides. A few are still active, though. The next big possibility of India and Pakistan clashing in a Test match is if the two teams meet in the final of the World Test Championship. That is doubtful for the ongoing edition, though.

Openers: Wasim Jaffer and Gautam Gambhir

Wasim Jaffer and Gautam Gambhir are the openers in the playing XI when India last played against Pakistan in Test cricket. Both these players did represent India for quite a long time in Tests. Wasim Jaffer had competition from Virender Sehwag but Gautam Gambhir was a consistent part of the setup for a while. Both these players got out quickly in this particular Test match and could not contribute much to the team's cause.

Middle-Order: Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Yuvraj Singh and Dinesh Karthik (WK)

Rahul Dravid was a mainstay for Team India at No.3. In this game, though, by his standards, Dravid could not score a lot of runs. At No.4, in Sachin Tendulkar's absence, it was former captain Sourav Ganguly who played. He had a terrific game as he scored a double hundred in the first innings. His performance was the defining factor in the game. VVS Laxman had a forgettable encounter but Yuvraj Singh scored a hundred in the first innings. He got out on 169 and also bowled a few overs later on. Dinesh Karthik was the wicket-keeper and he scored a fifty in the second innings. Overall, DK had a decent game.

All-Rounders: Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan was the all-rounder in the playing XI when India last played against Pakistan in Test cricket. The all-rounder from Baroda scored his only century in this encounter. Before this game, he had contributed often with the bat but it was this innings that firmly established his identity as an all-rounder. With the ball, he took just one wicket in the entire game.

Bowlers: Anil Kumble (C), Harbhajan Singh and Ishant Sharma

After Rahul Dravid resigned as the captain, it was Anil Kumble who took over the mantle. The legendary cricketer picked up a five-wicket haul in the second innings. Harbhajan Singh was pretty good while Ishant Sharma was at his best. The tall pacer collected a five-wicket haul in the first innings and showcased his skills. It was only his second Test match and hence, many were impressed with his performance.