The break is over, the players are rejuvenated and it’s time to win the IND vs ENG Test series. But despite levelling the series, India have more questions than answers ahead of IND vs ENG 3rd Test. It seemed Ravindra Jadeja’s return would help things but now, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma face selection selection conundrums in Rajkot hours before the match, which begins on Thursday. Hence, India Playing XI for 3rd Test is anybody’s guess.
KS Bharat or Dhruv Jurel?
- Is there a place for Kuldeep Yadav?
- Mohd Siraj or Mukesh Kumar?
Who will keep wickets?
KS Bharat seemed the natural successor with Rishah Pant on the sidelines. But even though he has done well with the big gloves behind the stumps, his bat has been quiet. That he has averaged 22.09 in 12 innings is a matter of concern.
“Bharat has definitely kept brilliantly in this series so far and in the Australia series as well. As far as runs are concerned, yes you want runs from him. There is no doubt over it. You are expected to score runs and that is something which hasn’t come in big numbers,” former India keeper Parthiv Patel said in a virtual interaction arranged by JioCinema.
There is an option in young Dhruv Jurel. He impressed in the IPL 2023 and also in domestic. With the middle-order struggling for runs, should India take the gamble and hand him the debut? That remains the biggest question. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will need to take the big call ahead of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test.
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Is there a place for Kuldeep Yadav?
Kuldeep played a crucial role with breakthroughs in the win at Vizag. But he only found the place because Ravindra Jadeja was unavailable. Now that Jadeja is back, where does Kuldeep fit in?
By the looks of Rajkot pitch, it’s a flat deck with lots of runs. Both Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin can score some runs. But Kuldeep is not the batter who can score 40-50 runs in the lower order. Furthermore, if India go with two seamers, one spinner has to drop down anyway. Who will be the spinner to warm the bench in IND vs ENG 3rd Test is a tough call Rohit-Rahul must take.
Who will partner Jasprit Bumrah?
It’s still unclear if Jasprit Bumrah will play any part in the IND vs ENG 3rd Test. The premier pacer was supposed to be rested. But he did join the squad. However, at Rajkot, he did not have any practice sessions at all.
But if he plays, the question is who will be his pace partner in a two-seamer approach like England? Mukesh Kumar did not have a great Test in Vizag. Mohd Siraj is fresh and back from the break. He looks to be the best bet. But it’s a call the captain-coach duo must take.
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