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No Axar Patel; India To Keep Kuldeep Yadav As Ashwin, Jadeja’s Partner In 1st Test Vs Bangladesh

Kuldeep might play 1st Test vs BAN ahead of Axar [X]Kuldeep might play 1st Test vs BAN ahead of Axar [X]

According to emerging reports, India will likely consider playing three spinners in the first Test against Bangladesh at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Led by Rohit Sharma, India will take on the Tigers in the first Test of the upcoming two-match series at Chepauk from September 19 to 23. 

As The Times Of India reported, the hosts will likely prefer wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav as R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja's bowling partner, despite Axar Patel's extraordinary all-round performances in recent times. 

India's Practice Session Hints At Their Probable XI For 1st Test

Under the mentorship of skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Gautam Gambhir, the Indian players sweated it out in an intense practice session on Monday. While the likes of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant and Shubman Gill focused on fine-tuning their batting, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah also honed their skills ahead of the Bangladesh Tests. 

However, interestingly, Kuldeep Yadav was also spotted batting in the nets, sparking speculations about his potential inclusion in India's playing XI. As the report claims, the experienced wrist spinner is in line to pip the in-form Axar Patel, with India planning to use him as a surprise package against Bangladesh. 

Given that India have two finger spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep's inclusion could make the hosts' spin attack more versatile. A wrist-spinner can certainly help India cover all bases in their spin department and capitalise on Chennai's spin-friendly conditions. 

Can Chennai's Red Soil Pitch Cause Doubts In The Visitors' Mind?

As reported earlier, a red soil pitch will likely be used for the first Test between India and Bangladesh at M. A. Chidambaram Stadium. While the track will offer a hint of seam movement and extra bounce to the fast bowlers, the spinners can also use it in their favour once it deteriorates. Furthermore, given that Bangladesh is familiar with black soil pitches, this move could emerge as a surprising element for the visitors.