Ex-cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes India felt forced to expand their batting line-up for the Test series with England. This move was prompted by the understanding of their players’ difficulties on turning pitches.
The first Test witnessed India losing to England by 28 runs in Hyderabad. With 231 runs set as their target, the Indian team managed only 202. Left-arm spinner Tom Hartley stole the show by taking 7/62 at his first attempt. Axar Patel, not Kuldeep Yadav, played as the third spinner in the first Test. Men in Blue chose him due to his batting strength.
The second Test’s start on February 2 in Visakhapatnam may see a hit to India’s batting strength. Virat Kohli is sitting out the first Tests. KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja also can’t play in the Visakhapatnam match due to injuries. Newcomers Sarfaraz Khan, Saurabh Kumar, and Washington Sundar are coming onboard.
In an interview with Timesofindia.com, Mohammad Kaif examined the combination India may go with for the next Test. He believes that while the hosts would aim for a lengthy batting line-up, Kuldeep might enter the picture.
“India’s main plan is that they should have players who can bat till at least No. 9. When you play on a turning track, even Rohit Sharma knows that India’s batsmen will also struggle, so he wants assurance and security in the batting. The team that played in the last Test was the best playing XI. There were 5 proper bowlers, and batting till No. 9.”
Mohammad Kaif
Mohammad Kaif Added:
“But in the next match it will be difficult to fill in the void created by Jadeja’s absence, so Washington Sundar can also be considered because if Kuldeep Yadav plays then the batting will only be till No. 8. But I think because Kuldeep is already there in the squad, he will get the nod ahead of Sundar.”
Mohammad Kaif
In the Hyderabad Test’s first play, Axar scored 44 runs. However, this left-arm spin bowler didn’t shine as brightly while bowling. He took just three wickets.
What is Team India’s Test record in Visakhapatnam?
Visakhapatnam’s Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium saw India win both played Test matches.
In their first Test at this arena in November 2016, India outplayed England by scoring 246 runs. Subsequent match in October 2019 was also a triumph for India, besting South Africa by 203 runs.