IND vs ENG: The upcoming third test match between India and England, scheduled from 15th February in Rajkot, is expected to witness significant changes in the Indian team. After a nail-biting loss in the first test and a strong comeback in Visakhapatnam, where India emerged victorious by 106 runs, the series is currently level at 1-1.
Practice makes man perfect 🧡
Ready for challenge 💪 pic.twitter.com/Ec4iwRebhG---Advertisement---— sarfaraz khan (@sarfarazkhan977) February 14, 2024
Debut confirmations: Sarfaraz, Jurel to make test debut
In a major development, Sarfaraz Khan’s debut in the Rajkot Test is almost certain. Shreyas Iyer, who batted at number 4 in Visakhapatnam, has been dropped for the remaining matches, paving the way for Sarfaraz Khan to step in. Additionally, Dhruv Jurel is expected to make his Test debut, likely replacing KS Bharat in the playing XI.
"My father is my hero. If I get the Indian cap, I will dedicate to my father" – Dhruv Jurel 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/BqbDTueamz
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) February 14, 2024
KS Bharat, who failed to leave a significant impact in the first two matches, might be benched in favor of Dhruv Jurel, whose first-class career boasts better statistics than Bharat.
IND vs ENG – Akash Deep’s potential debut
Another potential debutant is Akash Deep, who might be included in place of Mukesh Kumar. After Mukesh Kumar’s costly performance in the Visakhapatnam Test, giving away 44 runs in 7 overs with an economy of 6.28 in the first innings, and taking only one wicket in the second innings, the team management is contemplating changes.
Read More: IND Vs ENG: England Players Not Allowed To Say ‘Bazball’, Here’s The Reason
Akash Deep’s inclusion can provide depth to the batting order, along with adding a bowler with the ability to bowl at a speed of 140 and contribute with the bat in the lower order. If these changes materialize, all three – Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, and Akash Deep – could make their Test debut together in the crucial Rajkot Test.
Very happy to see my younger teammate #AkashDeep getting selected in team India for the next three test matches against England. Deserved it 200 hundred percent. Thank u to the selectors for the genuine selection. Congratulations and best wishes always #BCCI pic.twitter.com/S9dyoqTKum
— MANOJ TIWARY (@tiwarymanoj) February 10, 2024
IND vs ENG – Strategic decisions for a pivotal test
As the series hangs in the balance, captain Rohit Sharma and the coaching staff are expected to make tough decisions, aiming to secure a lead in the series. The Rajkot Test is deemed crucial, and these potential debuts signify a strategic shift in the team’s composition to tackle the English challenge effectively.
