Axar Patel obtainable for choice, Washington Sundar up towards Kuldeep Yadav for third spinner’s slot

India all-rounder Washington Sundar might have his nostril forward however he’ll get stiff competitors from wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the third spinner’s slot even because the BCCI on Thursday mentioned gradual left-arm bowler Axar Patel is obtainable for choice for the second Test towards England.
Axar has “recovered completely and is now available for selection for the 2nd Paytm Test in Chennai against England to be played from Saturday”, the BCCI mentioned in an announcement.
The all-rounder had complained of ache in his left knee and was dominated out of the primary Test.

Look, who’s again within the nets! @akshar2026 is right here and raring to go! @Paytm #CrewIndia #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/HdaO9MgS9q
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 11, 2021
The board mentioned that Shahbaz Nadeem and Rahul Chahar have been withdrawn from the principle squad and added the duo again to the group of standby gamers.
The BCCI had uploaded a video footage of Axar’s coaching session and though it wasn’t very conclusive, possibilities of him changing Nadeem within the enjoying XI have been fairly excessive.
Axar regarded fairly gingerly with a heavy strapping slightly below the knee. While batting, he was crushed a couple of instances by the pacers.
However, the workforce’s youngest participant — spin bowling all-rounder Washington — after his listless present with the ball within the sequence opener, is perhaps in for some robust competitors from left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep.
A last determination by the workforce’s think-tank will probably be taken after the ultimate observe session on Friday.

📸📸#CrewIndia #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/3mGTOjGZN2
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 11, 2021
It is known that the brand new pitch, which is darker in shade, is anticipated to supply flip and bounce a lot earlier in comparison with the late third day afternoon within the first Test.
Accordingly, India skipper Virat Kohli’s lack of religion in Washington’s finger spinners was evident throughout the England second innings on the fourth day when the pitch really provided sq. flip at instances with variable bounce.
“That Kohli gave Washington only one over was an indication that his first innings performance was rankling the skipper. Actually, he missed out on a chance to check if Washington was good enough when the ball turns square,” a former India participant, who’s watching the proceedings intently from Chennai, instructed PTI on the situation of anonymity.
“In terms of batting, he is definitely best among the spinners but his primary skill is not at the Test level and do you play him as a batting all-rounder, is the question.”
When former selectors Jatin Paranjape and MSK Prasad have been contacted, each felt that Washington ought to play however India should additionally want the attacking choice of Kuldeep’s wrist spin.
“I think if we are going for a rank turner, then Kuldeep is the best option for me. He has been around the group for significant time and I believe being around somebody like Bharat Arun has only helped him. I feel Kuldeep should replace Nadeem as Washy deserves another chance,” Paranjape instructed PTI.

#CrewIndia gear up for the second @Paytm #INDvENG Test at Chepauk! 💪👍 pic.twitter.com/Ohzn2mXyAv
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 11, 2021
Prasad echoed related opinion as Kuldeep is a wicket-taking choice.
“Kuldeep has experience of high pressure Test match like when he made his debut in Mohali against Australia. Washington batted beautifully and should get another chance,” Prasad mentioned.
India Test squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (Vice-Captain), KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Wriddhiman Saha (wicket-keeper), R Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Md. Siraj, Shardul Thakur.