Rajat Patidar’s Inclusion Raises Questions for India’s XI in 5th Test vs England
Rajat Patidar's Inclusion Raises Questions for India's XI in 5th Test vs England
India’s selection conundrum and strategic decisions are in the spotlight as they gear up for the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala. The team management is contemplating whether to opt for three seam bowlers over the tried-and-tested three-spin attack, while the No.4 batting position remains a point of contention.
Rajat Patidar’s struggles in his debut series have raised questions about his place in the team, despite captain Rohit Sharma expressing confidence in the young talent. With KL Rahul’s fitness still uncertain, Patidar might get another opportunity to prove himself, although Devdutt Padikkal remains a potential alternative.
The return of Jasprit Bumrah is set to bolster India’s bowling attack, with Mohammed Siraj likely to partner him as the second pacer. The spin department is expected to be led by Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, although weather conditions could prompt changes to the lineup.
Rohit Sharma hinted at the possibility of playing an extra seamer considering the weather conditions in Dharamsala. Should this be the case, Kuldeep Yadav is likely to miss out, making way for Akash Deep as the third seamer.
India, having clinched the series in Ranchi, will aim to extend their dominance in the World Test Championship standings with another positive result. However, the pitch conditions and cold weather, favoring the English team, remain key talking points leading up to the match.
Despite the traditionally seamer-friendly conditions at Dharamsala, spinners could still play a significant role, as evidenced by past matches and recent Ranji Trophy fixtures. The pitch, though initially flat, is expected to offer movement for pacers due to underlying moisture, particularly in the early hours of play.
As both teams prepare to enter unknown territory given the cold weather, contrasting views from players like Ashwin and Jonny Bairstow highlight the uncertainty surrounding the pitch conditions for the fifth Test. With intriguing selections and challenging conditions in play, the stage is set for an enthralling conclusion to the India vs England Test series in Dharamsala.
India Predicted XI for 5th Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar/Devudutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav/Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.