IND vs BAN: Gautam Gambhir slams pitch critics as Indian Test matches end in three days!
Xtra Time Web Desk: Team India's head coach Gautam Gambhir blasted out at the pitch critics who have questioned a Test match lasting for three days in India. He said that no one raised concerns when a Test lasted for just two days in South Africa with enough help for fast bowlers. The sub-continent conditions being spin-friendly offer help to spinners. Gambhir further said that the opposition team need to learn to play spinners. India will host Bangladesh for a two-match Test series, starting September 19.
"When India goes to South Africa and the Test ends in 2 days. When fast bowlers get enough help, nobody talks about it. This debate has to end. You can't say Tests get over in India in 2 daysâ€æ then the opposition has to learn to play spinners," Gambhir said in the pre-series press-conference, emphasising that a spinning track could be expected at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
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A spin-friendly track in Chennai?
Gambhir backed the Indian spinners and asked for the bickering around spinning pitches to stop. Hence, he sort of confirmed that Chepauk would have a spin-friendly pitch and hence, India might opt for three spinners and two pacers. PTI reported that Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav would be the top choices in the spin department. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will take care of the pace-bowling department.
Jurel and Sarfaraz to wait
Gambhir also confirmed that Dhruv Jurel and Sarfaraz Khan would have to wait for their chances. Hence, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will feature in the playing XI with Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli taking up the top four spots.
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Gambhir also hailed Rishabh Pant for his spin-hitting prowess, which could be crucial in Chepauk.
"We all know how destructive he can be and what he has done. Not many of his age have done it across conditions. With batting and behind the stumps, he has been phenomenal. His batting overshadows his keeping, especially against the spinners."
"We don't drop anyone. We just pick the players who fit the XI. We believe in selecting the XI. Jurel is a phenomenal player. When Pant is coming in, sometimes people have to wait. Same with Sarfaraz. There will be opportunities and you have to wait," he said.
