Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has suggested two changes to India’s playing XI ahead of the second Test against England. He believes India should bring in Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of Sai Sudharsan and include Kuldeep Yadav at No. 8.
Sai Sudharsan, who made his Test debut in the first match, scored 0 and 30 in his two innings. While many might expect him to get another opportunity, Dasgupta feels a tactical change in the team combination could prove beneficial.
“Karun Nair has got most of his runs at No. 3.” – Deep Dasgupta
“In general, you don’t want to make too many changes after the first game, but you have also got to think this is a very young side. It’s a new captain, newish side. So you have got to get the combination right. Karun Nair has got most of his runs at No. 3. Also, he batted for India A against the England Lions at No. 3,” Dasgupta said while speaking on Star Sports.
“So you might want to look at Karun Nair at No. 3. That opens up a space for someone like Nitish at No. 6, who, if required, can give you a few overs of seam. I will have a chat with Sai Sudharsan and say this is not a reflection of what happened in the first Test, but this is a combination thing. So that conversation becomes very, very important, how you put it across to someone like Sai,” he added.
Looking ahead to the second Test at Edgbaston, Dasgupta highlighted the value of including Kuldeep Yadav.
“Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I would love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having a top five amongst runs is that you are not too worried about contribution from your No. 8 with the bat.”
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