India are all set to host Australia in a four-match Test series, starting February 9 in Nagpur. The series is crucial for India with respect to the World Test Championship (WTC) final.

The Rohit Sharma-led side needs to win at least three Tests in the series to qualify for the final, due to be held at the Oval in June 2023.

Ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India’s team combination has been a major topic of discussion among cricket fans and experts.

With less than 48 hours to go for the opening Test, India vice-captain KL Rahul addressed a press conference, where he said it’s never easy to predict the nature of a pitch but the hosts are tempted to play three spinners in Nagpur.

However, Rahul didn’t provide any definitive answers about three key spots in the team — the wicketkeeper, the third spinner and the number five in the batting order.

“We still haven’t decided on the final XI. It’s going to be a tough decision to make. There are guys who have performed exceedingly well and there are a few spots open so there are a few discussions going on and the players are being spoken to,” he told reporters.

“Yes, we did see it (the pitch), but it’s still too early to really know what the pitch is going to do. We need to come here on the day of the match to know how it’s really going to play,” he added.

“We can only look at it and assume it’s going to play a certain way, but you never know with pitches. Yes, there is the temptation to play three spinners because we’re playing in India. We’ll take that call on the day of the game or the day before the game,” the right-hander continued.

Having missed the two Tests against Bangladesh in December 2022 due to a thumb injury, skipper Rohit Sharma is back in the mix.

When asked if he would like to bat in the middle-order, Rahul said: “If it arises, then I’m more than happy to do that. Whatever little cricket I’ve played for the country, I’ve always done that.

“Whatever the team has asked me to do, I try and prepare that way and try and do my best for the team, and if that is something that the team wants me to do here, I’ll be more than happy to do it,” he further remarked.

Rahul acknowledged that there is no straightforward choice for picking the playing XI this time around.

“I don’t know if it has happened before but, yes, this time it is going to be tough. Tough decision to select an eleven. All the 15 guys in the side are top quality, and that’s why they’re here. Anyone of them on any given day can be a match winner…

“The playing XI, we always try and make a decision based on what’s best for the team and for that particular Test match. We have done that over the last two years,” he stated.

According to Rahul, whether it is Suryakumar Yadav or Kuldeep Yadav, whoever faces the axing needs to take that on chin.

“Everyone is very clear about why they’re playing, why they aren’t playing, their roles in the team. That’s a good thing, and the atmosphere in the team is very good.”

(With PTI Inputs)