Ind vs Eng 4th Test: India’s team selection in the first three Tests against England has heavily revolved around the pitch. For now, all the three tracks have assisted spinners and the pitch for the 4th Test at the Narendra Modi stadium is likely to retain the characteristics of a rank turner despite criticism from former players. Hence, Kohli has two simple choices to make — whether to pick Umesh Yadav or Mohammed Siraj and continue with a third spinner option.
Kohli’s team selection will depend on how the pitch looks on the morning of March 4. For now, the wicket has a tinge of green. But nobody expects the green to last three more days. The pitch will be mowed down and will once again expose a similar look, much like the 3rd Test — dusty. However, that the match is being played with the traditional red cherry, it will have bearings on team selection.
Umesh Yadav or Mohammed Siraj?
Umesh Yadav has been one the most successful pacers, scalping 14 wickets in the last five home Tests. With him returning from injury and the pacers not getting many overs to bowl, it will Kohli’s chance to bring him back to the team.
Siraj with his performance in Australia has impressed everybody. But as the wicket is unlikely to offer any significant movement to bowlers, Siraj is not expected to be successful. In the 2nd Test, in Chennai, Siraj bowled just 8 overs in two innings combined, returning with a wicket. But given that Siraj has had great success in domestic cricket in Indian conditions, Kohli could give him another go to get the best of the morning sessions.
Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar?
The rank turners have forced Kohli to go with an extra spinner in the first three Tests with Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav fighting for the spot. In the first Test, Sundar bowled 26 overs in the first innings without much success. In the second, he was given just an over. In the second Test — another rank turner — Sundar was replaced with Kuldeep but he only bowled 12.2 overs in two innings combined.
In the third — pink-ball Test — Sundar replaced Kuldeep but he was given only four balls to bowl. But with Sundar offering India the depth in batting, he could get the nod ahead of Kuldeep in the 4th Test.