Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India is gearing up for the fourth test match against England starting in Ranchi from Friday, February 23. The hosts will be facing the challenge of missing key players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah. Kohli had already opted out of the series, and Rahul’s absence in the Ranchi Test due to injury is confirmed, with his participation in the fifth Test contingent upon his fitness. Meanwhile, Bumrah has been strategically rested to manage his workload after an impressive performance, bowling 80.5 overs in the initial three Tests. The expectation is that he will return for the crucial fifth Test.
As far as the team composition is concerned, the team management is in a dilemma to find a suitable replacement for Bumrah. They have two options – Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. Mukesh Kumar’s recent remarkable feat of a match haul of 10 for 50 against Bihar in the Ranji Trophy strengthens his case. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore’s fast bowler, Akash Deep, also makes a strong case for his Test debut with an outstanding performance for India A.
The impending contest holds special significance as it features a showdown between two seasoned fast bowlers who have shared the field extensively for their Ranji Trophy side, Bengal. Despite the absence of key players, India enters the match as favourites, aiming to secure a series victory. The team’s strategy involves a mix of experienced and emerging talent, and their objective is to maintain the winning momentum in this tough encounter.
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In KL Rahul’s continued absence, Rajat Patidar is likely to receive another opportunity in the middle order. Kuldeep Yadav, following a noteworthy performance in Rajkot, is expected to retain his place in the side. There are also talks about playing Axar Patel in place of Patidar. In that case the hosts will go in with four spinners in the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Here is the likely playing XI for India for the fourth test against England:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Rohit Sharma (C)
Shubman Gill
Rajat Patidar
Sarfaraz Khan
Ravindra Jadeja
Dhruv Jurel (wk)
Ravichandran Ashwin
Kuldeep Yadav
Mohammed Siraj
Mukesh Kumar/Akash Deep
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