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Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav? Rohit Sharma Gives Verdict Ahead Of IND Vs ENG 1st Test

image-lrrqqjr7Axar Patel (L) & Kuldeep Yadav (X.com)

Following a tough series loss to South Africa, team India is geared up to turn things around and take on England in a five-match Test series starting on January 25 in Hyderabad. 

The hosts have their squad locked in for the first two Tests against England, with Virat Kohli sitting out. They are sticking to the usual formula with three spinners, two fast bowlers, and five batters for the home matches. 

The Rohit Sharma-led side is banking on Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja as their main spinners for the upcoming test, but the real dilemma is whether to go with Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner.  

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma dropped a hint on their choice between Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming first test against England during a press conference. 

On being asked about Kuldeep Yadav, the Indian opener acknowledged the spinner’s development into a mature bowler and described him as an alluring option, thanks to his knack for taking wickets in home conditions, whether the wicket has bounce or not.


Here’s what Rohit Sharma said in the press-conference:

“Kuldeep gives you a certain X-Factor with his bowling. He has been bowling well of late. Kuldeep becomes a crucial player if the wicket has bounce or doesn't have bounce. He has become a mature bowler now. Kuldeep has improved in the last couple of years. He is a tempting option.”

Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma subtly suggested they might opt for Axar Patel, noting that besides being a quality spinner, Axar brings an extra edge with his batting skills, giving him an advantage over Kuldeep Yadav. The 36-year-old added:

“Axar, he gives us something extra with the bat. It was a headache for us to pick one of them in the XI. But we know we have quality in our spin department.” 

Furthermore, putting to rest several queries, Rohit confirmed that KL Rahul is set to play as a ‘pure batter’ in the series and won't be managing wicket-keeping duties. This implies that either Dhruv Jurel or KS Bharath will handle the wicket-keeping duties.