The selection dilemma between playing three fast bowlers or three spinners for the upcoming Test match against Bangladesh in Chennai has put Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir in a strategic position. The Chepauk pitch, constructed with red soil, promises quality bounce and carry despite the scorching Chennai heat, setting the stage for spinners to shine as the game progresses. However, the conditions are also expected to favor fast bowlers, with the potential for reverse swing adding another dimension to the game.India is likely to field five bowlers, with Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, R Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja securing their spots.
The fifth position is up for grabs among Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, and Yash Dayal, the only left-arm seamer in the squad. Notably, the last time India opted for three fast bowlers at home was during a Test against Bangladesh in 2019, showcasing a rare strategic shift in their lineup.The decision to potentially include a third fast bowler stems from India's preparations for the upcoming five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia. With the focus on clinching a top position in the World Test Championship points table, India is keen on bolstering its pace attack to counter the tough Australian conditions.
The evolution of the Chepauk pitch, transitioning from a flat surface to one that aids both spin and pace variations, adds an intriguing element to the upcoming match. The unique composition of the pitch, featuring red soil from Mumbai renowned for its true bounce, sets the stage for an exciting battle between bat and ball. As both India and Bangladesh fine-tune their strategies on contrasting soil pitches ahead of the test, the prospect of a third fast bowler featuring prominently in India's lineup looms larger in Chennai than in the subsequent Test at Kanpur's turning track.