Category: Cricket

The Indian cricket team is facing a crucial decision as they prepare for the second Test against Bangladesh, scheduled to commence on Friday in Kanpur. The team’s playing XI remains uncertain, with the selection of spinners and pacers hinging on the pitch and weather conditions.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Gautam Gambhir meticulously inspected two prepared pitches at Green Park Stadium. The team management is contemplating the inclusion of a third spinner, considering the possibility of rain on the first and third days of the match.

Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar hinted that the final decision will likely be made just before the toss. “Both pitches look pretty good. Kanpur is often known to have good pitches. I am not sure about the bounce yet,” Nayar said during Thursday’s pre-match press conference.

In the first Test in Chennai, India opted for a combination of two spinners and three pacers. However, Kanpur’s conditions may favor spin, prompting the team to consider adding a third spinner. Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav could join Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja if this change is implemented.

Nayar remained tight-lipped about Kuldeep’s potential inclusion in his home state. “With the conditions and the forecast, it is going to be interesting when we turn up in the morning. A lot will depend on that because, as you know, in Test cricket, conditions can be a huge factor in how the pitch plays,” Nayar explained.

All players are fit and available for selection, Nayar confirmed. “It is too early for us to judge and decide or have any sort of thought process on the pitch or the conditions. But we are hoping we come in tomorrow to a sunny day and not an overcast Kanpur,” he added.

The Indian team will need to carefully assess the pitch and weather conditions before finalizing their playing XI. The decision will have a significant impact on their strategy and chances of securing a victory in the second Test.