India’s 4th Test XI – Patidar’s Opportunity, Bumrah’s Absence Adds to Woes

India is ahead of England 2-1 in the ongoing 5-test series. The fourth test of the series will be held in Ranchi from February 23rd. With this victory, India will clinch the series against the British team on their home ground for the third consecutive time.

Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batsman KL Rahul will not be part of the Indian team in this match. The selectors have included Mukesh Kumar in the team instead.

Adjustments in India’s Playing XI Strategy for the Fourth Test

With Jasprit Bumrah rested, two considerations emerge for the playing XI adjustments.

• On Spin-Friendly Pitches: In the likelihood of Ranchi’s pitch favoring spin, India might opt for four spinners alongside Siraj. If the conditions deem fit, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav might join Ashwin in the lineup, with Axar Patel making a return. Mohammad Siraj could serve as the sole fast bowler in Bumrah’s absence.
• On Regular Pitches: If the pitch remains standard, with two pacers required, Mukesh’s return or Akash’s debut is possible. In such scenarios, India could stick to two fast bowlers, potentially accommodating Mukesh Kumar with Siraj in charge of the pace attack. Alternatively, Akash Deep might earn his debut opportunity.

Paddikal May Get Another Chance as India’s Top Order Shines

The Indian team‘s top order displayed a stellar performance in the last match. Captain Rohit Sharma (131 runs) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (214 runs) showcased explosive innings, while Shubman Gill contributed 91 runs. In the middle order, Sarfaraz Khan crafted a brilliant 130 runs, while Ravindra Jadeja (112 runs) thundered with a century.

Currently, there’s speculation that Rajat Paddikal might receive another chance. Paddikal managed only 46 runs in the series’ two matches. If Paddikal sits out, Devdutt Padikkal might get a chance. However, team insiders suggest that Paddikal might be given one more opportunity, according to sources closely associated with the team.

Bumrah’s Rest: Importance and Decision Making

BCCI has declared that Jasprit Bumrah has been given rest to manage his workload and focus on his cricketing form, considering the extended period he has been actively playing cricket recently. It is evident that the selectors are prioritizing his freshness for the upcoming important matches. This decision comes in light of the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year.

The team management and selectors are cautious not to exhaust Bumrah before this significant tournament. They do not wish for him to be fatigued ahead of this crucial event. For this reason, he was not part of the T20 World Cup held in Australia in 2022.

Playing XI Without Bumrah

If the pitch favors spin:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Shubman Gill
4. Rajat Paddikal
5. Sarfaraz Khan
6. Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Ravichandran Ashwin
10. Axar Patel
11. Mohammad Siraj

On a standard pitch:

1. Rohit Sharma (Captain)
2. Yashasvi Jaiswal
3. Shubman Gill
4. Rajat Paddikal
5. Sarfaraz Khan
6. Dhruv Jurel (Wicketkeeper)
7. Ravindra Jadeja
8. Kuldeep Yadav
9. Ravichandran Ashwin
10. Mukesh Kumar
11. Mohammad Siraj