The India Cricket Team faces a strong selection headache for the IND vs ENG 1st Test. While England has fielded 3 specialist spinners, there is a debate whether India will approach a similar tactic or not. Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be present, but Rohit Sharma has to take a call between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav for this mega Test series.
Unlike England, India will bank on at least 2 pacers if not 3. Though the pitch in Hyderabad is set to assist spinners, it is highly unlikely that it will be a rank turner. England have heavily relied on their spin attack with Joe Root offering a fourth option in the spin department.
“Kuldeep gives you a certain X-factor with his bowling. You’ve seen how well he’s been bowling of late. Especially the wicket if it has bounce, or if it doesn’t have bounce, Kuldeep becomes a factor in those types of conditions as well because he has got superb variations,” said Rohit Sharma.
Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t been a regular in India for Tests. With leg spinners not offering much, India will bank on leg spinners who can bat. With Jadeja fitting the bill, the other relevant option in Axar Patel.
Similarly, Axar in Test cricket for the Border Gavaskar Trophy was more productive with the bat rather than with the ball. As a result, Rohit will take a late call in fixing his Playing XI. It could also be a further ploy by Rohit to keep the opposition guessing about India’s Playing XI.
“Axar with his all-round ability, giving us that batting depth, the consistency that he has shown playing in these conditions in Test cricket also is an important factor for us. It was a bit of a headache for us to decide who it was going to be. I’m not going to say who it is but it was a challenge for us to make that decision. We know we’ve got quality around our spin-bowling department, which is a good sign. When you’ve got quality around your team, when there’s a headache to make your playing XI, that’s a good sign,” Rohit concluded.
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