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In the first Test against Bangladesh at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India opted for a pace-heavy attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Akash Deep. However, as they prepare for the second Test at Kanpur's Green Park, assistant coach Abhishek Nayar indicated that the team is open to adjusting their combination due to significant changes in pitch conditions. Historically, Kanpur has favored spin bowlers, which could lead India to make a strategic switch for the upcoming match. Nayar suggested that if the pitch remains conducive to spin, the team might include either Kuldeep Yadav or Axar Patel, potentially leaving out one of the seamers.
When asked about the possibility of playing local favorite Kuldeep in the second Test, Nayar acknowledged that the final playing XI is yet to be determined. He emphasized the importance of observing the pitch conditions on Day 1, as they will play a crucial role in the team's decision-making process. The Indian squad's adaptability will be key as they look to capitalize on the conditions and strengthen their performance against Bangladesh. With the potential inclusion of a spinner, fans will be eager to see how the team balances experience and local talent in their quest for victory in Kanpur.
“I can't give you the playing XI right now. Everyone is available. Don't know which surface we are going to play on yet. Conditions would be a big factor in deciding the team combination. Conditions have changed here so much, we expect a sunny day here tomorrow," Abhishek Nayar said during the pre-match press conference.
The curator of the Kanpur pitch has indicated that the surface will offer a balanced contest for all players. He anticipates that pacers will find some assistance in the first two sessions of the match, allowing them to capitalize on early conditions. As for the batters, he believes they will enjoy batting on the opening two days, as the pitch is expected to provide a solid foundation for scoring runs.
However, the curator also predicts that as the match progresses, particularly after the initial phase, spinners are likely to take charge. He expects the conditions to favor spin bowling, allowing spinners to make a significant impact as the pitch wears down. This combination of early assistance for pace bowlers and later support for spinners sets the stage for an intriguing contest, where adaptability will be key for both batsmen and bowlers.
There will be that Chennai match feeling. It will have something for everyone. It will offer bounce in the first two sessions and it will be pretty good for batting for the first two days. Then, the spinners will come into play on the last three days,” curator Shiv Kumar said.
Predicted India Playing 11
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.