How will the pitch be in Dharamsala? While the big question lingers over the pitch, both teams face a dilemma regarding bowling combinations. So far, spin has dominated proceedings with England and India both opting to go for 3-4 spinners in the Playing XI. However, Dharamsala is different. With the cold temperatures and assistance to seamers, Rohit Sharma may need to take a call on Kuldeep Yadav or Akash Deep for IND vs ENG 5th Test.
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With Jasprit Bumrah returning, India Cricket Team will have to create a space for the pace spearhead. The natural process would be to drop Akash Deep for Bumrah. However, the pitch and conditions might force a change in strategy.
Dharamsala conditions
In Ranji Trophy, the pitch in Dharamsala has tilted heavily towards seamers. In just four Ranji matches at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, seamers have taken 120 wickets out of a possible 160.
While since the winter, temperatures have slightly gone upward, the seaming conditions could prevail during March 7-11. Hence, India would want to go with at least three seamers. For that to happen, India will need to drop a spinner to make space for a third seamer.
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Akash Deep vs Kuldeep Yadav
That’s where India face a dilemma. With Akash Deep bagging 3/83 on debut, it will be unfair to drop the upcoming talent from India Playing XI for IND vs ENG 5th Test. Kuldeep Yadav played a key role in demolishing England with 4/22 in the 2nd innings of the Ranchi Test.
Ravichandran Ashwin could have been the option after a string of mediocre shows. However, he has bounced back in form with a fifer in Ranchi. And as he is going to play his 100th Test, it is unlikely that India will drop the veteran.
Hence, if the conditions aid seamers, Kuldeep Yadav could be the one to warm the bench. However, if the pitch is dry, India will go with three spinners and two seamers.
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