Ahead of the first Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens, which begins on Friday, November 14, India captain Shubman Gill acknowledged that the decision between a spinner and an additional seamer is still a "conflict."
Gill stated that the playing XI is "almost finalized," but he did not reveal the precise lineup, stating that the squad will make a final decision after evaluating the conditions on match morning.
“It's always this time of year; there is always a conflict if you want to go for an extra seamer or spinner. That's why we will see the condition tomorrow and decide on the XI,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference on Thursday.
India has pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj leading the way with Akash Deep as a backup. The spin options include Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Kuldeep Yadav, with Jadeja, Axar, and Washington also offering valuable batting depth.
“It's more or less finalized. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalize the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game,” Gill added.
Gill also praised India’s depth when it came to all-rounders and highlighted the additional batting depth provided by spin bowling all-rounders.
“We are fortunate to have good all-round bowlers, be it Axar, Washington, or Jadeja. Their bowling and batting records are excellent, especially in India. It's going to be an exciting test, and it's good to have more options,” he noted.
Gill also hinted that pacers could still play a decisive role if the Eden wicket turns dry.
“Reverse swing plays a big part if it's a dry wicket. During the 2024 series against England, the pacers took crucial wickets even as the pitches were spin-friendly. If it's reversing, the Pacers are always in the game,” he reasoned.
The two-Test series will see India’s batting tested by the South African spin trio of Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, and Senuran Muthuswamy, who helped the Proteas level the series in Pakistan and outperformed Pakistan’s spinners.
(PTI inputs)
