(Cricket new) Hosting JioCinema’s sports show ‘#AAKASHVANI’, JioCinema and Sports18 expert, Aakash Chopra, spoke about the importance of the fifth India-England Test starting in Dharamsala on Thursday, whether Devdutt Padikkal will get a chance to make his debut, and the appointment of Pat Cummins as Sunrisers Hyderabad captain for the TATA IPL 2024. Excerpts:
On the importance of the 5th India-England Test: Because of the format of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, there is a context to every match. Although India have won the series, there are still 20% points that can be gathered from this five-Test series. If the hosts end up with three wins, they’ll secure 60% of the total points, whereas if they can win the match in Dharamsala, they’d have won 80% of the points. That’s why this contest is critical from India’s point of view.
On whether Devdutt Padikkal will replace Rajat Patidar: From the feelers we’ve got, it seems Rajat Patidar will get to play one more match. I won’t be surprised if he plays. That’s because India have won the series and there’s one more game to go. What’s in Padikkal’s favour is that since he is in the squad, he’ll get a chance at some point. But the question is will he feature in only one Test? The next Test match is a long time away in September-October.
On India’s likely playing XI: In Dharamsala, there’s always a discussion whether the hosts should play three fast bowlers. But I’d still prefer going in with two pacers and three spinners. We may get to see Jasprit Bumrah play in place of Akash Deep. Then the three spinners who played in the previous match. Axar (Patel) may not get an opportunity. This is what I feel the Indian team will look like.
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