Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta conjectured that Team India might play Akshar Patel and not Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test match between India and England and said that both Yadav and Patel are quality choices but the latter will bring more control with his bowling.
Kuldeep Yadav was expected to play as a second spinner to partner R Ashwin in the first Test match between India and England, which India lost by 227 runs, but the team management surprised everyone and went in with Shahbaz Nadeem who was drafted into the squad on the morning of first Test-match in place of injured Akshar Patel.
While answering a fan's question on Sports Today, Deep Dasgupta gave his views on the Indian spin attack selection and was confident that Washington Sundar will retain his place.
"Honestly with how Shahbaz bowled in the last Test match, I think there will be a replacement. Washington Sundar was played more as a batsman who can bowl somebody who can bat at number 7 and he did a wonderful job, especially in the first innings, the way he batted. So I don't see any reason why Washington should be replaced unless it's a strategic call,” Deep Dasgupta said.
Deep Dasgupta further said that Shahbaz Nadeem is very likely to be dropped and will be replaced by Akshar Patel and not Kuldeep Yadav and added that Patel will bring more control with his bowling.
"I do see a replacement but the question is who. I think both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are quality choices. Axar would have been your first choice even in the first Test match but unfortunately, he was injured.
“Akshar could be a very, very good choice and so will Kuldeep but I think Axar because left-arm orthodox spinner brings in more control, that's the reason why he might be preferred and it's a straight swap, Axar coming in for Nadeem (both are left-arm spinners). I don't see both of them playing together and I guess Aksharwill be a choice," Deep Dasgupta said.
Akshar Patel is yet to make his Test debut while Kuldeep Yadav has played six Tests for Team India, accounting for 24 wickets at an economy rate of 3.51. The left-arm wrist-spinner has two five-wicket hauls to his name.
(Sports today inputs)
