Kuldeep Yadav excluded, Devdutt Padikkal included for India vs England in 5th test

Sanjay Bangar anticipates that Team India, led by Jasprit Bumrah, will implement two alterations to their playing XI in the upcoming fifth Test against England in Dharamsala.

Author
Shantanu Poswal
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Courtesy: ANI

As Rohit Sharma's Team India landed in Dharamsala for the pivotal fifth encounter against England, the return of speedster Jasprit Bumrah added a significant boost to the squad. Bumrah, expected to lead India's bowling attack in Dharamsala, is set to play a crucial role in the final red-ball game of the series. Meanwhile, seasoned spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is on the brink of a milestone, poised to mark his 100th Test appearance during this highly anticipated match against Ben Stokes' England at the scenic venue.

In the realm of strategic team adjustments, former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar anticipates some alterations to India's starting eleven against England. Bangar not only envisions changes but also suggests the possibility of a new player receiving their debut cap in the ongoing five-match Test series under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid. Notably, the likes of Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep have all earned their Test debuts in the current England series.

Sharing his insights ahead of the fifth Test, Bangar, speaking to Star Sports, proposes a potential adjustment to the team lineup. He suggests that the uncapped Devdutt Padikkal could step in to replace Rajat Patidar. Additionally, Bangar speculates on the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah, highlighting the likelihood of the speedster taking the place of spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the Indian XI at Dharamsala. 

He emphasizes the weather conditions and altitude at the venue, indicating that the seam movement could influence this condition-based change. Bangar outlines the possible composition of the playing XI, envisioning a pace-heavy attack with Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep forming the seam-bowling trio for India in the upcoming match.