Deep Dasgupta suggested a few changes that the Indian team can try in the upcoming second and final Test match against New Zealand in Mumbai.
The second Test match between India and New Zealand will kick start from 3rd November in Mumbai. Heading into the match, there will be no doubt that selection would be a headache for the management.
With Virat Kohli set to join the squad, it remains to be seen who’ll make way for the skipper in the playing XI as Team India would be looking to win the match after a disappointing draw in the first Test in Kanpur.
Hosting a Q & A session on his YouTube Channel, Deep Dasgupta said that if Mohammed Siraj is fit then he can replace Ishant Sharma in the playing XI.
"I saw him bowl just a while ago on the ground, bowling was not an issue anyway. I think his non-bowling arm was injured and had stitches. So, there is a good chance that Siraj is fit. If that is the case, then Siraj might come in place of Ishant,” Deep Dasgupta said.
Dasgupta suggested that Team India can play Mayank Agarwal at no.3 as he plays spin and seam well. He also suggested that the Virat Kohli-led side can try Ruturaj Gaikwad at no.3 in the future as well.
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"Another option is one of the openers playing at No.3. Mayank Agarwal plays spin well, he can be considered at No.3. You need someone at No.3 who can play seam and spin well. No.3 becomes trickier than No.5 at this point. Even [Ruturaj Gaikwad] as well," he said.
Deep Dasgupta further said that Shubman Gill should bat in the middle order as he’s more suited to bat in the middle than opening the innings.
"In the middle order, there are several players in the wings. There is Shreyas Iyer, then Shubman Gill, who I feel is more suited to the middle order in red-ball cricket. Then there's Hanuma Vihari," he said.
As of now, the series between India and New Zealand is stranded at 0-0. It remains to be seen what playing XI will the hosts field when they lock horns against the Black Caps in the last match of the series in Mumbai.
