India have a couple of tough decisions to make for the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala. That is whether to go with three seam bowlers instead of sticking with their tried and tested three spinners.
The other talking point is the No.4 batter. KL Rahul not regaining full fitness even for this game could provide another opportunity to the struggling Rajat Patidar, who has found bizarre ways to get out in his debut series, aggregating only 63 runs in six innings at number four. India have Devdutt Padikkal in their ranks but if India captain Rohit Sharma’s words are anything to go by then Patidar is likely to get another opportunity.
“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 said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
Jasprit Bumrah will return to bolster the attack with Mohammed Siraj being the second pacer. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, who has been able to play only 11 Tests since making a successfuldebut back here in 2017, will share the duties in the spin department. Unless the team management decides to factor in the weather conditions in Dharamsala
“There is a good chance to play extra seamer. We have not yet completely decided on it but there is a good chance,” Rohit said.
In case India decide to go with Akash Deep as their third seamer then Kuldeep is the most likely spinner to sit out.
India maintained their envious record at home by sealing the series in Ranchi and now, they will be looking for another favourable result to extend their lead in World Test Championships standings.