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Less than a couple of days remain ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan. Ahead of the match, Team India assistant coach Ryan Ten Doeschate has provided some major updates on the probable playing eleven. He provides updates on Mohammed Siraj's fitness as well.
India will host Afghanistan for a one-off Test from June 6 to June 10 at the Maharaja Singh PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh. The Indian team management will have to pick the playing combination for the match.
Will Mohammed Siraj play against Afghanistan?
Ahead of the Test, there were some concerns over the experienced seamer Mohammed Siraj's availability as he had some issues with his shoulder. The assistant coach informed that Mohammed Siraj is fit and good to go.
Ryan Ten Doeschate also informed that between Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey, one is expected to play, alongside two experienced spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
"Mohammed Siraj is fit and good to go. As far as two new spinners (Manav Suthar and Harsh Dubey) are concerned, there is a small chance that both will play. We haven't finalised who among the two will play alongside Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar," Ryan Ten Doeschate informed the media.
The team management will have to take some tricky calls to pick a balanced team
This match is going to be crucial for the team, as it will be a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle. So, it is going to be a must-win contest for the hosts.
The batting side of Team India mostly remains untouched, but the selectors have made some major shuffles in the bowling unit. They will have to play without the pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishan are the two experienced pacers in the team. Gurnoor Brar is also in the squad, who can make a surprise entry in the starting eleven.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has created a team with a mix of experienced and emerging talents. The batting part of the team is more experienced than the bowling unit. Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, and Harsh Dubey are the fresh talents from domestic cricket. Nitish Kumar Reddy, who is a pace bowling all-rounder, has played some matches for the national team, but lacks experience as well.
Kuldeep Yadav is another experienced bowler, along with Mohammed Siraj
As the assistant coach mentioned, two senior spinners in the team, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav, are both likely to play the one-off Test. While Yadav is a regular spinner, Sundar can add value with his batting skills.
Sundar's role will be similar to Ravindra Jadeja, who used to both bat and bowl in crucial conditions. Under the guidance of two experienced spinners, whether it is Manav Suthar or Harsh Dubey, they will be able to get some precious knowledge on how to act in the longest format of the game.
India’s Test Squad: Shubman Gill (Captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul (vice-captain), Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Devdutt Padikkal, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Harsh Dubey, Dhruv Jurel (wicket-keeper)
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