Team India are just one step ahead of entering the ICC world Test championship final. The only obstacle that remains is the 4th and final Test match against England at Ahmedabad. India is 2-1 up in the series and a win the final Test will punch their ticket for the all-important world Test championship final in June.
Virat Kohli and his men will be looking to make the series 3-1 and make a statement. Meanwhile, India will be without their star pacer Jasprit Bumrah for the final Test as he has opted out due to personal reasons. In this feature, we look ahead at the possible playing XI of India for the final Test against England that begins from 4th March.
India Predicted Playing XI For The 4th Test
1. Rohit Sharma
The ‘Hitman’ has been the standout Indian batsman so far in the series. Rohit has looked a class apart and has batted with authority on challenging surfaces. Come to the final Test the leading run-scorer of the series will be looking to make a big one again and help India clinch the series 3-1. Rohit will be the dangerman for England and if they fail to dismiss him cheaply he may very well score another century.
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2. Shubman Gill
The talented Shubman Gill is yet to score a maiden Test match hundred in his career. So far in the series, Gill has failed to capitalise on his start which has been extremely frustrating for him and every Indian cricket fan, However it all can change in the final Test as Gill has the potential to score a big one and end the series on a high.
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3. Cheteshwar Pujara
The ‘rock’ of India’s Test batting Cheteshwar Pujara too is yet to score a big knock in the series. Pujara who had a brilliant last two Test in Australia has not carried his good form in the England series. He scored a duck in the 3rd Test therefore, will be determined to make a winning contribution in the 4th Test.
4. Virat Kohli ©
The captain of the Indian team so far has had an inconsistent series with the bat. Kohli has not been able to make a big score in the first innings which has always been his strength in his Test career. The fans will be hoping that Kohli ends the century drought and register his first three-figure score since 2019. As far as his leadership is concerned he has been spot on in the series and has made the right bowling changes as well as his field placements have been immaculate.
5. Ajinkya Rahane
The vice-captain of team India has also not been able to make a big score in the series so far. Rahane will be aiming to silence his critics who always scrutinise him for not being consistent in a Test series. At number 5, Rahane will again look to accelerate the scoring against the spinners and take India to a big total.
6. Rishabh Pant (WK)
The maverick wicket-keeper of India, Rishabh Pant will again be a prized wicket for England in the last Test. Pant has so far been outstanding in 2021 and emerged as the biggest match-winner for team India in Test cricket. The 23-year-old will again play his natural game and look to take the match away from England.
7. Axar Patel
The local boy from Ahmedabad Axar Patel had a dream Test match as he picked 11 wickets in the Test match. Axar will be hoping that the curators prepare a similar pitch and he turns a web around the English batting line-up. So far Axar hasn’t impressed with the bat which he will be looking to improve on in the final Test match.
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8. Ravichandran Ashwin
The veteran off-spinner has again been at his best in a home Test series. Whether it be with the bat or ball Ashwin has delivered under pressure and helped India win the last two Test match. England will again get nightmares if they have to face Ashwin on a spinning track in the final Test match at Ahmedabad.
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9. Kuldeep Yadav
The Indian team is expected to play Kuldeep Yadav in place of Washington Sundar in the final Test. The management will be keen to play a specialist spinner in Kuldeep who can make full use of the spin-friendly conditions. The unorthodox spinner can be lethal on a spinning pitch and England batsmen will have to play out of their skins to counter him.
10. Mohammed Siraj
In place of Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian management is anticipated to bring in Mohammed Siraj. The skilful fast bowler has enhanced his reputation as a bowler in the last few months which will be looking to continue in the final Test against England.
11. Ishant Sharma
Last but not least Ishant Sharma will be playing in his 101st Test match. So far in the series, Ishant has been able to keep one end tight which allows the spinners to chip away at the wickets. Ishant with his height will come into play if the Test match goes to day 4 and 5 as the pitch with then will have uneven bounce which will make him a potent force.
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