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Playing XI for 2nd Test: India Faces Dilemma as Key Players Fall Injured
India vs England Playing XI for 2nd Test is a bit confusing. India are a little confused two days after their heartbreaking 28-run defeat in the first Test, their first-ever in Hyderabad.
India’s already grappling with fresh adversity–KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the 2nd Test because of injuries.
Rahul, shouldering the middle-order responsibility in Kohli’s absence, and Jadeja, the ever-reliable all-rounder who bagged five wickets and a crucial 87 in the first innings, are massive blows to the team’s balance.
So, who fills the sizable voids left by these two stalwarts? The question of Playing XI for the 2nd Test hangs heavy in the air, throwing up several intriguing possibilities.
Opening conundrum:
Moreover, Virat Kohli will not participate in the game either, having already disclosed that he will miss the first two games of the five-game series due to personal reasons.
With Rahul gone, Shubman Gill’s spot at the top seems cemented. Will the selectors stick with Yashasvi Jaiswal or opt for a more experienced campaigner to partner with him?
Middle-order options:
Shreyas Iyer is likely a candidate to bolster the middle, but questions remain about the No.4 and the No. 6 slots. Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan, in blistering form in domestic cricket, could get a chance.
Rishabh Pant’s position might also be debated, with KS Bharat potentially vying for the wicket-keeping gloves.
In Tests, Jadeja is comparable to Hardik Pandya in limited-overs, and his unavailability puts India in trouble. Now, India needs two players to fill the holes.
The think-tank now takes a specialized approach, like they did following Pandya’s injury during the 2023 World Cup. Or would batting depth, particularly with a new-look middle order, be the priority?
Spin woes:
In terms of the third spinner for the 2nd Test, the decision is not difficult, and Kuldeep Yadav is the front-runner to share spin bowling responsibilities with R Ashwin and Axar Patel.
Jadeja’s absence leaves a massive gap in the bowling and batting departments. Axar Patel is the natural replacement with the ball, but can he replicate Jadeja’s batting exploits? Washington Sundar, another spin-bowling all-rounder, could be brought in for his batting prowess.
Pace attack conundrum:
Bumrah and Siraj remain the frontline pace duo, but the third seamer spot is up for grabs. Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan, anyone have a chance to settle in the lineup.
Rohit Sharma may be persuaded to enter the game with Jasprit Bumrah as the lone seamer if the wicket continues to be slower and gives purchase to the slower bowlers. Mohammed Siraj, who was India’s second seamer in the first Test, bowled just 25 overs in the match.
The decision to start with just one seamer instead of Siraj allows them the possibility of either adding another hitter in Sarfaraz or strengthening the bowling and batting lineup by selecting Sundar.
Once more, the management’s decision on which to prioritize—bowling options or batting depth—will determine all of these calls.
The selection headache for the Indian think tank is real. Who steps up to fill the shoes of giants? Who becomes the unlikely hero in this hour of need?
The answers will unfold when the Playing XI for the 2nd Test is announced, marking the start of a crucial chapter in this captivating series.
My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
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