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Following the setback against England in the Hyderabad Test, the Indian cricket team faced additional challenges as KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja were ruled out of the upcoming Visakhapatnam Test due to quadriceps and hamstring injuries, respectively. In the absence of Virat Kohli, Rahul played a crucial role in the middle-order during the series opener, while Jadeja showcased his all-round prowess with five wickets and a vital 87 in the first innings.
Crafting the optimal XI amidst key player absences
With both Rahul and Jadeja unavailable for the second Test, the Indian think tank is confronted with the task of making strategic decisions to maintain the balance of the Playing XI. The selectors introduced Sarfaraz Khan, Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar to the squad, presenting a significant challenge for the management to determine the optimal combination for the upcoming fixture. This unforeseen situation requires careful consideration and tough calls to ensure a well-balanced and competitive team takes the field in Visakhapatnam.
Also READ: Players who can replace Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul in India’s playing XI for the 2nd Test against England
India’s expected playing XI for the 2nd Test against England in Visakhapatnam:
Rohit Sharma (c)
- Dominant opening presence: Rohit Sharma, the seasoned opener and captain, provides invaluable stability and leadership at the top.
- Spin Mastery: His adeptness at tackling spin and guiding the team from the opening position is crucial, especially in challenging conditions.
Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Youthful dynamism: Yashasvi Jaiswal brings a youthful and dynamic approach, showcasing exceptional skills in playing spin effectively.
- Aggressive adaptability: His aggressive batting style and adaptability make him a valuable asset in the top order.
Rajat Patidar
- Technique and temperament: Known for his solid technique and composed temperament, Rajat Patidar excels in anchoring the innings and building partnerships.
- Spin savvy: His ability to rotate the strike and handle spin, positions him as a suitable candidate, particularly on turning tracks.
Sarfaraz Khan
- Solid technique: Sarfaraz, with a solid technique against spin, proves effective in navigating challenging conditions.
- Confident spin player: His long experience in domestic cricket and confidence in playing spin make him a worthy inclusion, adding resilience to the team.
Shreyas Iyer:
- Middle-order maestro: Shreyas Iyer, a reliable middle-order batter, demonstrates an exceptional ability to handle spin with ease.
- Aggressive proficiency: His aggressive style of play and proficiency against spin make him an essential and dynamic part of the playing XI.
Washington Sundar:
- All-round dynamo: Washington, an all-rounder with spin-bowling skills, significantly adds depth to the batting order.
- Handy off-spinner: His off-spin capabilities prove handy on turning tracks, making him a valuable asset with both bat and ball.
KS Bharat (wk):
- Wicketkeeping proficiency: KS Bharat, with wicketkeeping skills and the ability to bat under pressure, is a suitable replacement behind the stumps.
- Valuable gloveman: His proficiency against spin further enhances his worth, making him an indispensable addition to the team, especially given his role as a wicketkeeper.
Axar Patel:
- Left-arm precision: Axar Patel, known for his accurate left-arm spin, has the potential to exploit spinning conditions effectively.
- Batting depth: His control over line and length, coupled with batting abilities, significantly adds balance to the team.
Ravichandran Ashwin:
- Spin maestro: A seasoned off-spinner, Ravichandran Ashwin remains a proven performer on turning tracks.
- Variations and experience: His wide range of variations and extensive experience make him a key player in the spin department.
Kuldeep Yadav:
- Wrist-spin magic: Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist-spinner, introduces much-needed spin variation to the bowling attack.
- Dual turning threat: His ability to turn the ball both ways poses a significant challenge for the opposition on spin-friendly pitches.
Jasprit Bumrah (vc):
- Pace spearhead: Serving as the vice-captain and pace spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah consistently delivers crucial breakthroughs.
- Dynamic seam movement: His capability to generate bounce and movement complements the spinners effectively.
