Not many expected a dead pitch for a dead rubber. But Dharamshala would provide a used surface for the IND vs ENG 5th Test. India Cricket Team have clinched the series with a 3-1 lead. But it is also a chance to gain on the WTC Points Table. That would make choices difficult for Rohit Sharma & Rahul Dravid while deciding on India Playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah’s return means India will have to drop a pacer. There is still a call to be made on Rajat Patidar vs Devudtt Padikkal.
Jasprit Bumrah returns
After a break to manage work load, Jasprit Bumrah has rejoined the squad. The vice-captain of the Test team is an automatic choice irrespective of the conditions.
However, his return creates a selection problem. Mohammed Siraj or Akash Deep — who should be dropped from India Playing XI for IND vs ENG 5th Test.
Akash Deep bowled an excellent spell in Ranchi, bagging three wickets. But Mohd Siraj has been an integral part of the pace troika.
He has the experience and wickets to back his claims if India decide to go with just two pacers. Even though Rohit Sharma has hinted at using three seamers, the pitch may influence Team India to go with three spinners and two seamers again in India Playing XI.
“There is a good chance to play extra seamer. We have not yet completely decided on it but there is a good chance,” Rohit Sharma said at the pre-match press conference ahead of IND vs ENG 5th Test.
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Devdutt Padikkal vs Rajat Patidar
Three matches, six innings, 63 runs at an average of 10.50 — the enthusiasm around Rajat Patidar has evaporated pretty quickly. With Devdutt Padikkal on the bench, there is no reason why India should provide more chances to Patidar.
However, the Dravid-Rohit pair is little different. They like to offer newer players longer rope. Shubman Gill got that rope and returned the faith. And it’s likely that Patidar will get it too.
“Rajat Patidar has very good abilities. I like him. I see him as a talented player. We need to give him some more time,” Rohit Sharma said.
And if captain Rohit sticks to his words, Patidar will get another go while Padikkal will have to wait for his chance.
Predicted India Playing XI 5th Test
1. Rohit Sharma
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Shubman Gill
4. Rajat Patidar
5. Sarfaraz Khan
6. Ravindra Jadeja
7. Dhruv Jurel
8. Ravichandran Ashwin
9. Kuldeep Yadav
10. Jasprit Bumrah
11. Mohd Siraj
IND vs ENG 5th Test: What to expect?
- India will retain the batting core with Rohit Sharma & Yashasvi Jaiswal opening.
- Shubman Gill will bat at No 3 while Raja Patidar will get one last chance at No 4 before Virat Kohli returns to India Playing XI.
- Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel will complete the batting line-up with Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin slotting in as the all-rounders.
- With the slow pace of the pitch, Kuldeep Yadav is expected to keep his place as the third seamer.
- Despite playing well, Akash Deep may have to warm the bench with Jasprit Bumrah coming in.
- However, if India go with three seamers, they will be Bumrah, Siraj & Akash Deep. Mukesh Kumar is all set to be on the bench.
Editors pick
