Aakash Chopra expects India to remain with a bowling arsenal of two seamers and three spinners for the fifth and final Test against England, which begins in Dharamsala on Thursday, March 7.
Despite personnel changes, Rohit Sharma and his team maintained the same spin-pace mix throughout the first four Tests. They might, however, contemplate playing an extra pacer in Dharamsala, given the chilly weather and the possibility of a little more seamer-friendly ground.
In a video posted to his YouTube page, Chopra predicted that Jasprit Bumrah will replace Akash Deep in the starting XI.
“Is there any scope for change in the Indian team? I feel one of them is a straight swap. Akash Deep will go out and Jasprit Bumrah will come in because Bumrah is available in this match and wasn’t in the previous one.”
Aakash Chopra
The former India opener does not anticipate the hosts fielding an extra seamer.
“Now that he (Bumrah) has come, he and Mohammed Siraj should be playing. Generally, when you talk about Dharamsala, people feel three fast bowlers should be played, but I feel you won’t play three.”
Aakash Chopra
Chopra believes that Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav will continue to be India’s three spinners.
“You will still go with three spinners and will not toy with anyone as a fourth spinner. You are not going to think about playing a fourth spinner. So the same three spinners who played earlier – Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep, and along with them Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah is what I am thinking.”
Aakash Chopra
Ashwin is playing his 100th Test. He is the only Indian bowler to play in all four games so far. Jadeja and Kuldeep have each played three Tests. Axar Patel played in the first two Tests.
“Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma might give Rajat Patidar one last chance” – Aakash Chopra
According to Aakash Chopra, the Indian team management may continue with Rajat Patidar rather than give Devdutt Padikkal his debut cap.
“There is scope for only one change in batting, where Devdutt Padikkal can come in place of Rajat Patidar, but I am not sure. Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma might give Rajat Patidar one last chance. There is a possibility. I have got no inside info, so I can’t say anything.”
Aakash Chopra
While anticipating James Anderson to pose a threat in Dharamsala, Chopra believes England should play Mark Wood. He does not anticipate the visitors to make any changes to their batting lineup, and believes it may be a competitive game if England’s middle order performs well.
