The most discussed topic as Team India prepares for their next Test series against Bangladesh, which begins in Chennai on September 19, is the starting lineup. There have been rumours of a major strategic change, and the team management may be taking into consideration an unexpected departure from the starting lineup. This choice, purportedly made by coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit Sharma, may alter India’s strategy for the series.
After a convincing 4-1 victory over England in March, the Indian cricket team will resume their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign at home. Every choice will matter because the Bangladesh series is soon to be followed by a match against New Zealand and a key tour of Australia. The players have been training hard in Chennai, India, while the coaching staff keeps a close check on them.
With his wrist spin on the left arm, Kuldeep provides an alternative to Ashwin, Jadeja, and Axar Patel finger spin
Although Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are lock to start, the selection of the third spinner has become a topic of discussion. Axar Patel may find himself on the bench for the first Test, which is surprising given his recent form and stellar Test record.
Kuldeep Yadav likely to partner Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja
According to reports, Kuldeep Yadav was the most likely candidate to be selected as the third spinner. If this decision is accurate, it will add diversity to the spin attack.
But excluding Axar would not be a decision that was made lightly. His recent Duleep Trophy performance, in which he scored 86 and 28 for India D versus India C, demonstrates his versatility. Axar’s impact on India’s recent Test victories is irrefutable, as he has amassed 646 runs at an average of over 35 and 55 wickets at an impressive average of 19.34 in just 14 Tests.
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The administration of the Indian squad appears to be tilting towards retaining bowling options and optimizing batting depth. This is clear from the limited-overs cricket trend that has been observed during Gambhir’s coaching tenure: the experimentation with part-time bowlers. This tactic is evident from watching opener Yashasvi Jaiswal bowl leg-breaks during practice sessions.