Recent developments in Indian cricket have seen the term ‘batting depth’ resonate more profoundly than ever across all formats. Whether in ODIs, T20Is, or Test matches, the team management has consistently preferred to bolster the batting lineup, often selecting batting and bowling all-rounders over specialists, particularly for the critical number eight slot. The ongoing Test series against England provides yet another stage for this strategy, with India’s trio of spin-bowling all-rounders – Ravi Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel – taking center stage thanks to their dual capabilities.
Before the commencement of the England series, the selection of these three players for the starting XI would have been considered a foregone conclusion. However, the narrative has shifted following the first two Tests, surprising many with the less-than-expected performance of the Indian spin attack on home turf. The injury to Jadeja opened the door for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion, marking his first appearance since his impressive eight-wicket haul in an away game against Bangladesh in December 2022.
As the third Test approaches, Jadeja’s anticipated return to fitness posits yet again the prospect of Kuldeep warming the bench, unless the Indian team management decides to take a daring route. The dilemma is rooted in Axar’s recent ineffectiveness with the ball in the two ongoing Test matches and, more broadly, since the start of 2023. Axar’s wicket tally stands at eight from 11 innings, with a rather unflattering average of 49 and a strike rate nearing 100. Yet, the conundrum intensifies when considering his batting performance during the same period, with an average exceeding 56.
Axar’s prowess with the bat has been evident even in this series, racking up 133 runs in four innings, though his contribution with the ball has been limited to just five wickets. With Jadeja’s return, speculation abounds on whether India will opt for Axar or Kuldeep and maintain a balance with two seamers – Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj – unless pitch conditions necessitate a four-spinner assault.
The team’s decision-makers are faced with a complex puzzle, especially given Kuldeep’s impressive showing in Visakhapatnam where he claimed four wickets and exhibited superior control over his spin compared to Axar. India now stands at a crossroads, having to choose between adopting a brave or conservative game plan. Given the pitch conditions and the expectations of playing on home soil, many argue that the team should exercise boldness. Kuldeep, noted for his ability to take wickets, may indeed be the more aggressive option, particularly on pitches showing signs of indifference.
This scenario is underpinned by related events, such as England player Rehan Ahmed’s visa troubles at Rajkot Airport and Jadeja’s fitness updates leading up to the Rajkot Test. Moreover, another subplot evolving from New Zealand’s position over South Africa, following the bowlers’ remarkable performance on the opening day in Hamilton, adds context to the overarching narrative of cricket during this period.
India’s approach to selection for the upcoming Test is seen as indicative of their strategy and confidence levels. The choice between Axar and Kuldeep epitomizes the challenge of balancing a solid batting order with a potent bowling attack. With the world’s eyes on them, India’s cricket team management will soon unveil whether they will lean towards playing it safe or taking a calculated risk, a decision that could significantly influence the outcome of the much-anticipated third Test in their home series against England.
