With Trinidad weather staying clear, India Cricket Team have handed Mukesh Kumar his Test debut. Passenger on the last few series, the Bengal pacer can finally make wear the Blue Cap proudly. But in a blow, Shardul Thakur misses out as he has suffered a groin injury, making him doubtful for the ODI series. However, with the weather clear, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma have not picked Axar Patel in India Playing XI for IND vs WI 2nd Test.
India Playing XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Ravindra Jadeja, Ishan Kishan(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jaydev Unadkat, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj
“Shardul has pulled up a niggle. He’s not fit. Mukesh Kumar is going to make his debut. He has worked hard in the domestic cricket. There’s lot of memories, the rivalry between the two teams has always been exciting to watch. It’s always been a tough tour, you have to work hard. Even in the last game, we had to work hard, especially the batters. Hopefully we get the result we are expected of,” Rohit Sharma said at the toss.
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Mukesh Kumar in India Playing XI
- A prolific pacer in domestic circuit, Mukesh Kumar has had to wait for his chance with Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj and Mohammad Shami clear favourites.
- In 5 Rani Trophy matches last season, Mukesh Kumar picked up 22 wickets.
- In 2021-22 season, Mukesh was Bengal’s leading wicket-taker with 20 scalps.
- However, there is no third spinner. Instead of adding an additional spinner in Axar Patel, India have gone with three pacers and two spinners.
- Mohammed Siraj, Jaydev Unadkat and Shardul Thakur are the three pacers.
- Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja who picked up 17 wickets out of possible 20 continue.
After a sensational debut, Yashasvi Jaiswal will keep Ruturaj Gaikwad out to open with Rohit. Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane will continue at their designated No 4 & 5 slots. After not getting enough balls, Ishan Kishan will continue to be the keeper of choice.
As for all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin will be the go-to spinners after the two bagged 17 wickets combined in the first match.
Last chance for Shubman Gill
However, it may very well be the last chance for Shubman Gill to shine at No 3. After managing just 3 in the last game, Shubman will be keen to leave a mark as Test cricket takes a break until December’s South Africa tour. However, as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul are both expected to be back, it might be his last opportunity to seal No 3 slot or fight for a spot in the opening or in the middle order.
To make things worse, if Cheteshwar Pujara returns to form in domestic and County cricket, it might be difficult for Shubman to retain his position. But Gill has found backing from batting coach Vikram Rathour.
“We can’t judge him on basis of one innings. He has a lot of time. He has the technique and temperament to play time if required and can also play an attacking game when a move on is needed. He can move the game forward. That is what we need at No. 3 as it can be advantageous.”
Vikram Rathour
India Test squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), KS Bharat (wicket-keeper), Ishan Kishan (wicket-keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, Navdeep Saini.
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