The stage is set for a cricketing showdown as India prepares to lock horns with England in the third Test of their ongoing five-match series on February 15 at the SCA Stadium in Rajkot. While England has already revealed their playing XI, making a solitary change with Shoaib Bashir making way for Mark Wood, the Indian camp seems poised for a shakeup, with four significant changes on the cards.
Speculation and injury updates have been rife, triggering a whirlwind of anticipation among the cricket aficionados in India. At the forefront, the opening partnership remains intact with captain Rohit Sharma poised to take strike alongside the young sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal, who made headlines with a stunning double-century in the last Test. Shubman Gill, with a century to his name in the previous match’s second innings, will solidify the top order by batting at number three.
The middle order, however, faces a reshuffle. The exclusion of KL Rahul due to an injury and the sidelining of Shreyas Iyer suggest a window of opportunity for newcomers. Sarfaraz Khan is expected to make his Test debut, and Devdutt Padikkal could also don his maiden Test cap, as one is certain to embellish the batting lineup. Rajat Patidar, with only one Test under his belt, is anticipated to bring his reassuring presence to the field after an impressive performance in Visakhapatnam.
In an intriguing turn for the all-rounder spot, Ravindra Jadeja is slated to make a comeback, having recuperated from a hamstring injury. His return is expected to provide a multi-dimensional edge to the team. Furthermore, the wicketkeeping department is bracing for a revamp with Dhruv Jurel reportedly on the cusp of his Test debut. KS Bharat’s faltering performance with the bat and less-than-steady glove work seem to have nudged the selectors to reconsider their options behind the stumps.
The bowling contingent is bound for a strategic debate with Ravi Ashwin leading the spin attack. The duel for the final spinner’s slot pits Axar Patel against Kuldeep Yadav. With Jadeja back in action, the surface on offer at the Rajkot stadium will likely dictate the choice. Axar could bring additional depth to the batting lineup, whereas Kuldeep might be preferred for his wrist-spinning prowess and an aggressive approach towards wicket-taking.
Pacing the attack, Jasprit Bumrah is expected to spearhead despite talks of workload management, while Mohammed Siraj seems set to replace Mukesh Kumar, whose last outing in Visakhapatnam did not meet the expectations.
England’s squad news and the pitch report hint at a gripping contest ahead. The visitors have made a strategic alteration in their lineup, suggesting a tailored approach to tackle the challenges of the Rajkot pitch, a surface speculated to offer an interesting blend of assistance to both bat and ball.
As both teams gear up for the critical third Test, the cricketing community eagerly awaits to see if India’s calculated gamble on fresh talent and strategy will pay dividends against an English side equally determined to leave a mark on Indian soil.
India’s Predicted XI for the 3rd Test: Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Axar Patel/Kuldeep Yadav, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
