'Akash Deep's Test Debut on the Cards; Selection Dilemmas for Team India Ahead of Fourth Test'
Pacer Akash Deep in Contention, Patidar's Struggles, and KL Rahul's Injury Update
On Friday, rookie pacer Akash Deep is vying for a Test cap.
Despite working hard in the nets ahead of the fourth Test, the Bengal fast chose to practice batting with the throwdown experts on Thursday rather than bowling.
It's a tie between Akash and his Bengal colleague Mukesh Kumar for the second pacer's spot alongside Mohammed Siraj in this fourth Test, with pace ace Jasprit Bumrah sidelined.
When bowling with the old ball standing out, Akash has shown his ability to produce speed and extract reverse swing, even in unfavorable circumstances, in domestic cricket.
Batting coach Vikram Rathour said, "Anyone who gets into the Indian team has to be a special cricketer." "He (Akash) looks really good, has good pace, and can land the ball in the right places."
Rajat Patidar, who is ranked No. 4 for India, presents another selection quandary. Rathour did, however, imply that Patidar, who is having trouble, would have another chance. "We have been speaking with him (Patidar) often. It takes him more than two games to lose his game. Yes, he has had several difficult games and embarrassing dismissals in which the ball stopped on him. But on his good days, he'll provide a memorable innings, according to Rathour.
KL standing
The team's position on the injured KL Rahul is unambiguous.
"He's either in shape or not. He doesn't fit right now. We don't know the stage or what percentage of him is fit right now. As far as we're concerned, he's not fit and unavailable for this game, but the medical staff may provide advice on that," said Rathour.
Ollie's opportunity
India will play pacer Ollie Robinson for the first time in the series, as he is expected to replace fellow fast Mark Wood, but the struggling James Anderson will be kept in the starting lineup. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed is replaced in the XI by young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir.
Robinson was called up because of his "release height" and "relentlessness," according to captain Ben Stokes.
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