Deep Dasgupta believes that the competition for Ravichandran Ashwin for a place in India’s test playing XI is Shardul Thakur and not Ravindra Jadeja. Ashwin was dropped from the Indian team for the first test match against England. Shardul Thakur replaced him in the playing XI as a pace-bowling all-rounder.
Speaking on BBC’s Test Match Special podcast, Deep Dasgupta said,
“Lot of people have been asking this question and talking about how there is a competition between Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. But personally, I think it is not between Jadeja and Ashwin, it’s more between Shardul and Ashwin. That’s more of a tactical decision that the Indian management needs to make.”
Deep Dasgupta further added that the competition for Ravindra Jadeja is Hanuma Vihari.
“As far as competition is concerned, I think it’s more between him (Jadeja) and Hanuma Vihari, whom do you play at no.6,” said Deep Dasgupta.
I would be really surprised if India’s makes changes for the second test: Deep Dasgupta
The former India wicket-keeper also spoke about India’s playing XI for the second test. He reckoned that they should continue with the same combination and playing XI.. Deep Dasgupta said,
“I would be really surprised if they make any changes for the second Test match. As far as the fast bowling is also concerned, they have bowled a total of 150 overs, that’s all right. Also, the fact that there was this one-month break before this Test match. They have had enough time to relax and chill and rest.”
The first test match between India and England ended in a draw. The second test match will take place on August 12 at Lord’s, London.