IND vs BAN: Dinesh Karthik leaks India's playing XI for 1st Test, only 2 spinners included
Published - 13 Sep 2024, 04:09 PM | Updated - 13 Sep 2024, 11:41 PM
Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik leaked the Rohit Sharma-led team's playing XI for the upcoming Test match against Bangladesh. Dinesh Karthik confirmed that the team management will drop both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel from the playing XI for the first Test of the series.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) recently revealed the Team India squad for the first Test of the two-match series against Bangladesh at home. The selectors backed four fast bowlers and four spin-bowling options. However, there is confusion about the fifth bowler in the attack.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Kuldeep Yadav are sure starters in India's playing XI if there are no injuries. Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel will compete for the third spinner spot. Akash Deep is also in contention after an impressive outing in the Duleep Trophy 2024.
They'll Only Play With Ravichandran Ashwin And Ravindra Jadeja - Dinesh Karthik
On Cricbuzz's 'HeyCB with DK' show, Dinesh Karthik was asked about the third spinner in India's playing XI for the upcoming match. Karthik said that India will likely play on pace-oriented pitches during the series. He added that Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja will be the only spinners in the attack.
The former cricketer also said that India will be preparing for their Test series in Australia later in the year. Dinesh Karthik added that the team will opt for three fast bowlers alongside the two spinners rather than including a third spinner.
"Should Kuldeep Yadav play ahead of Akshar Patel in the next home test as the third spinner?" a fan asked.
“First of all, I get the feeling India is going to play on slightly pace-oriented pitches. Knowing that it's a good way to beat Bangladesh. Also, they'll be preparing for the Australian Test series that's coming right ahead. Down under. End of the year. It will be there at the back of your mind. No doubt about it. I think they'll only play the two spinners. It's going to be Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Followed by three fast bowlers,” Dinesh Karthik said.
Rohit Sharma-led Side To Face Bangladesh In Chennai On September 19
The first Test of the series between India and Bangladesh will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, starting on September 19, Thursday. Kanpur's Green Park will host the second and final match from September 27 onwards. The Men in Blue will play three T20Is after the Test series.
India currently leads the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table. The upcoming Test series will be India’s first under Gautam Gambhir and the new support staff. Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, comes into the series with a historic 2-0 Test series win over Pakistan.
Also read: India vs Bangladesh 1st T20I to be shifted out of Gwalior in a Harakiri move by BCCI
