Twenty-four hours before the start of the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, the Indian think-tank remain undecided on their choice of an extra spinner — Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel — in the playing XI.
Local boy and wrist spinner Kuldeep’s presence will add variety to India’s spin attack, which comprises Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, on the slow and low wicket at Green Park which is expected to afford turn from the third day onwards.
However, Axar Patel, whose ability to relentlessly attack the stumps can come in quite handy if there is low bounce, can’t be ignored either. Axar partnered Ashwin and Jadeja in the last Test which India played in Kanpur, against New Zealand in 2021.
But the weather in Kanpur during the week of the Test might complicate matters. Heavy rain and thunderstorms are predicted on the first two days of the Test, which may slow down the natural wear and tear.
“Kanpur is always known to have good pitches. I am not sure about the bounce yet. I think, with the conditions and the forecast, it is going to be interesting,” assistant coach Abhishek Nayar said.
“I think a lot will depend on that because, as you know in Test cricket, conditions
can be a huge factor in how the pitch plays. So it is too early for us to judge and decide or have any sort of thought process on the pitch... But we are hoping we come in tomorrow (Friday) to a sunny day and not an overcast Kanpur.”
The locals are hoping that Kuldeep, who has played only 12 Tests since his debut in 2017, will finally get to bowl at his home ground.
Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah opted to stay out of the optional practice session on
the eve of the Test. That is natural with the fast bowler since he prefers to stay away from the nets a day ahead of the game.
It is most likely that Bumrah will partner Akash Deep in the attack besides the three spinners. There is also talk that both Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj could play with Akash Deep having to sit out.
The visitors didn’t get to practise on Thursday because of light rain in the afternoon.
Despite being outplayed in the opening Test, Bangladesh, still riding high on their success in Pakistan, remained optimistic of their chances.
“In this Test match, if we can score 350 or somewhere there, I think that will be a huge improvement... 350 to 400 in the first innings will give us a lot of confidence,” all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan said.
For the first time in their Test history, India have more wins (179) than losses (178) following the Chennai triumph. Rohit Sharma’s men will be hoping to extend their streak of not losing a home series since 2012.
