IND vs ENG: Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav? Rohit Sharma hints at 3rd spinner in playing XI

India captain Rohit Sharma cleared air over Axar Patel vs Kuldeep Yadav debate.

The first test between India and England is all set to begin in Hyderabad on Thursday at the Rajiv International Cricket Stadium. This game will set the tone for the upcoming five-match test series. The hosts will be confident as their record at home is nothing less than best in the world. India have not lost a test series at home since 2012 and not many teams have challenged them.

On the other hand, England were the ones that defeated India in the test series in 2012. Under the captaincy of Ben Stokes and the coaching of Brendon McCullum, England have been unstoppable with their “Bazball” approach. But will that approach work on the spinning tracks of India? That will be a big question. England have already announced their playing XI a day before the game.

IND vs ENG: Rohit Sharma hints at third spinner between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav

Surprisingly, England have announced a spin-heavy playing XI. Mark Wood is the only pacer in the team. Jack Leach, Rehan Ahmed and Tom Hartley will be the three spinners and Joe Root will be the part-time spinner. Well, looking at the pitch, India are likely to go with a three-spin attack. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravi Ashwin will be the first-choice spinners, but the question is who will be the third spinner.

India have an option between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. On Wednesday, in the pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma admitted that it is tough to choose between Axar and Kuldeep. Rohit said that Kuldeep can be effective because of his variations and is a very tempting option to have in the team. However, he also indicated that Axar gives an all-round option to the team, which is an added advantage.

Rohit said, “Axar, you know, with his all-round ability, gives us that batting depth. The consistency that he’s shown, playing in these conditions in Test cricket, also is an important factor for us. But it was a headache to decide who it is going to be for us. But I am not going to say who it is.” Indian captain also lauded Ashwin and he is hoping for another brilliant series for the veteran spinner. The first test will start at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday.

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