The second Test match between India and Bangladesh is set to be a fascinating encounter, with the selection of the bowling attack becoming a key talking point. India’s assistant coach, Abhishek Nayar, has confirmed that the decision to play three spinners will be heavily influenced by the pitch conditions and weather on the morning of the match. The Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association has prepared two pitches for the game, and the team will assess the situation closely before finalizing their playing XI.
If India opts for a three-spinner approach, the extra spinner could be either Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav. Nayar, while not revealing his plans, acknowledged the possibility of playing Kuldeep at his home ground. He emphasized that the team is yet to determine the exact nature of the pitch, with Kanpur often known for producing good surfaces. However, the uncertain bounce and potential impact of rain on the opening and third days add an element of intrigue to the selection process.
The focus isn’t just on the pitch but also on the weather, with rain predicted on the opening and third days. Nayar expressed a hope for a sunny day on the first day, which would allow for a clearer understanding of the pitch’s behavior. He confirmed that all players are fit and ready for the match.
Beyond the bowling combination, there’s optimism surrounding KL Rahul’s performance under the new coaching regime. Nayar believes that Rahul understands his game well and expects a positive turnaround in his Test fortunes. He points to Rahul’s impressive performances in South Africa as evidence of his potential. The coach acknowledges that sometimes a change in approach can lead to a significant shift in performance. He is confident that the combination of Rahul’s talent and Gambhir’s guidance will yield positive results in the future.
