In the 2nd Test between India and Bangladesh, the Indian cricket team has decided to stick with their successful playing XI from the first match in Chennai, opting against making any changes. This decision might come as a surprise to some, especially given the conditions at Green Park, Kanpur, which traditionally favor spinners. Despite speculations around potential lineup changes and the inclusion of a third spinner, India has retained its three-seamer approach for the second game in the series.
Team Strategy and Pitch Analysis
Heading into the Kanpur Test, there were discussions around resting one of the pacers and including a third spinner, especially considering the pitch conditions in Kanpur. Historically, Kanpur’s pitch has been known for its slow and low nature, often aiding spin bowlers as the game progresses. However, India’s head coach and the management have decided to stick with the combination that worked in the first Test. The team lineup remains unchanged, featuring three pacers—Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Akash Deep—alongside two spinners in Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin.
The pitch at Kanpur, according to early assessments, has a significant amount of straw-colored grass, which could provide early movement for seam bowlers. This factor might have influenced the decision to go with three pacers, as the Indian side aims to exploit the moisture and grass cover in the initial days of the Test. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, mentioned that the pitch appeared a bit soft, prompting him to choose fielding after winning the toss. The plan is to make early inroads and restrict Bangladesh to a manageable first-innings total.
The Playing XI for Both Teams
India’s lineup features a balanced mix of youth and experience. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill continue as the openers, followed by the formidable middle-order trio of Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul. In the all-rounder department, Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin bring versatility and balance, while the pace battery is led by the experienced Jasprit Bumrah, with Siraj and Akash Deep rounding off the bowling attack.
For Bangladesh, the changes were more significant. After a lackluster performance in the Chennai Test, they dropped Nahid Rana and Taskin Ahmed, bringing in Taijul Islam and Khaled Ahmed in an attempt to bolster their bowling. Their captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, is looking to turn the tide in Kanpur, hoping that the revamped bowling attack can restrict India’s batting lineup better than they did in the first Test.
India’s Three-Seamer Strategy
India’s decision to stick with the three-seamer strategy is noteworthy because it marks only the second instance in over 24 Tests at Kanpur where a team has chosen to field first. The first occurrence was way back in 1964, making Rohit Sharma’s move a rare one. Historically, teams batting first at this venue have often scored big in the first innings, making it critical for the Indian seamers to strike early and break Bangladesh’s top order.
Rohit, reflecting on the strategy, emphasized that while batting has been the team’s core strength, it was the bowlers who made the difference in the Chennai Test. With this in mind, the captain and coach felt it was wise to keep the same team and back the pace trio to deliver again. This approach is also part of a broader plan to groom the younger fast bowlers, such as Akash Deep, in different pitch conditions.
Bangladesh’s Struggles and Expectations
Bangladesh, on the other hand, will be keen to put up a stronger fight after a disappointing outing in Chennai. The visitors were outplayed in all departments, with the Indian spinners and pacers equally effective in dismantling their batting lineup. Their captain Shanto will be looking to lead by example and expects his batters to show more resilience against India’s formidable bowling attack.
What to Expect in the 2nd Test?
The second Test promises to be an exciting contest, with Bangladesh eager to bounce back and India aiming to seal the series. The decision to go with the same playing XI speaks volumes about India’s confidence in their game plan. For Bangladesh, the new inclusions in their playing XI, particularly Taijul Islam, will be key in challenging the Indian batters on a pitch that is expected to assist spinners as the match progresses.
While the initial conditions might favor the fast bowlers, the Kanpur surface is expected to break down over time, bringing spin into play later in the match. India’s choice of two world-class spinners—Jadeja and Ashwin—gives them the advantage in exploiting these conditions, making it essential for Bangladesh to build a solid foundation early on.
The outcome of this Test could very well depend on which team adapts better to the changing pitch conditions and how effectively India’s three-seamer strategy works in a venue known for its spin-friendly nature. All eyes will be on the first day’s play to see if India’s gamble with an unchanged XI pays off or if Bangladesh can spring a surprise and turn the series around.