Team India is in a tricky situation. The next match of the series is at Manchester — a wicket that traditionally supports fast bowling, and two of their pacers are carrying injuries. Akash Deep has a recurring back issue, while Arshdeep Singh has a cut on his left hand. That, in short means, India is short of bowling options.
Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj & Anshul Kamboj as Pacers?
Akash Deep played two Tests, didn’t look a 100% in the Lord’s Test, where he bagged 1 wicket only — but anyways will be a major miss after he picked 10 wickets at Edgbaston. Arshdeep, on the other hand, wasn’t used in the series at all, but was tipped to play at Old Trafford. That leaves India with two sure shot bowlers — Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj.
For spinners, India would most likely continue with Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja. Nitish Kumar Reddy comes in as the only fast-bowling all-rounder. But, who could be the third full-time pacer? Well, Team India has drafted CSK pacer Anshul Kamboj, who had also played in the IND A vs ENG Lions series.
No Kuldeep Once Again
He picked up five wickets in two matches.. so he has experience playing in the country. Then there is also some experience in the form of Prasidh Krishna — who has six wickets too. But the problem there has been, he has been way too expensive. Lastly, there is Shardul Thakur, who ended up picking two wickets in the Leeds Test.
So, what should be the ideal bowling attack then for India and Shubman Gill? Well, it only makes sense to play Anshul Kamboj along with Siraj and Bumrah. Two spinners — Jadeja and Washi stay put, and so does NKR. That elongates the Indian bowling attack, and room for a batter goes out.. but perhaps, looking at how the series has gone — an extra bowler might be needed.
Also, Kuldeep Yadav once again misses out, just because he isn’t considered an all-rounder. Somehow, Gautam Gambhir prefers all-rounders in his line up.
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