India vs England 2021: Axar Patel Will Be Preferred Over Kuldeep Yadav Feels Deep Dasgupta

Former Indian cricketer Deep Dasgupta has reckoned that Left Arm Spinner Axar Patel will be preferred over chinaman Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the second test. India was outplayed in all the departments against the England team and suffered a heavy defeat of 227 runs in the first test. The victory meant that England will have now taken a 1-0 lead in the series.

Shahbaz Nadeem who featured in his second test for India could not be effective in the first test and was mostly inconsistent with his lines and length. The flat tracks did not help India either and it was time for some variety in the bowling line up for the second test. Axar Patel deemed fit for the second test has provided a wide ray of hope in the Indian faces and a lot has been expected from him.

Deep Dasgupta Terms Kuldeep And Axar As ‘Quality Choices’

Deep Dasgupta mentioned that both the spinners Kuldeep and Axar are quality choices to replace Nadeem in the second test but felt that the latter will get the nod ahead due to his control. However, he was clear that there was no reason to replace Washington Sundar who scored 85 not out in the second innings, and stated that unless it is a strategy, Sundar should play as a batsman in the lineup who can bowl.

“Honestly with how Shahbaz bowled in the last Test match, I think there will be a replacement. Washington Sundar was played more as a batsman who can bowl somebody who can bat at number 7 and he did a wonderful job, especially in the first innings, the way he batted. So I don’t see any reason why Washington should be replaced unless it’s a strategic call. said Deep Dasgupta on Sports Today

“I Don’t See Both Of Them Playing Together” – Deep Dasgupta

Deep Dasgupta also told that he doesn’t see both the spinners Kuldeep and Axar playing together in the playing XI and added that Axar Patel is the best replacement for Nadeem. India has a lot of choices to make for the second test at Chennai where it is expected to have some more turn than the first test.

“I do see a replacement but the question is who. I think both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are quality choices. Axar would have been your first choice even in the first Test match but unfortunately, he was injured. Axar could be a very, very good choice and so will Kuldeep but I think Axar because left-arm orthodox spinner brings in more control, that’s the reason why he might be preferred and it’s a straight swap, Axar coming in for Nadeem (both are left-arm spinners). I don’t see both of them playing together and I guess Axar will be a choice,” Deep Dasgupta said.