The India cricket team’s batting lineup seems to be set for the Dharamshala Test. With KL Rahul out, the only man whose spot was in danger (Rajat Patidar) will get a third chance to prove to the Indian management that he belongs in the Test arena. But in the bowling department, Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma will have a couple of good headaches to have.
With both pacers and spinners firing on all cylinders, a selection conundrum arises. Having rested Jasprit Bumrah for the India vs England 4th Test, the pacer is bound to return and take back his spot. But who will India drop?
Ravichandran Ashwin is bound to play his 100th Test in Dharamshala, so it’s safe to say he’ll play. Then we have Ravindra Jadeja, who is the best Test all-rounder in the world right now. Apart from an injury, nothing can remove him from the XI.
So far in the series, India has played two pacers in each match. With the match being played in Dharamshala, Rohit Sharma wouldn’t be willing to drop Mohammed Siraj, India’s second-best pacer at the moment. Now, we have a fatal two-way between Kuldeep Yadav and Akash Deep.
Why India will pick Kuldeep Yadav over Akash Deep in Dharamshala
Given that the pitch in Dharamshala is expected to be a slow turner instead of being pacer-friendly, it seems like a no-brainer that the India cricket team will pick Kuldeep over Akash. One has to remember that Bumrah, the world No. 1 ranked Test bowler, is returning to the side, and he will further strengthen an already strong Indian lineup.
Even if the pitch offers assistance to the pacers, Siraj and Bumrah together will be more than a handful to handle. Another advantage is having two world-class all-rounders, Ashwin and Jadeja. Despite their bowling being a little bit hit-and-miss in the series, they have shown their mettle with the ball as well.
Having Kuldeep, who has looked like India’s best spinner in the series and who’s also done well with the bat, will be a major boost to India and the left-arm spinner’s confidence. And although it will be unlucky for Akash to miss out, one has to assume he’ll get his chance when India travels outside later in the year.
