Expectations are high as the second Test match between India and Bangladesh is scheduled to be held in Kanpur. After winning the first match of the series by a huge margin of 280 runs, Team India is ready to win the upcoming match. Kuldeep Yadav was not named in Team India’s playing xi. Hanuma Vihari insists Kuldeep Yadav should feature in India’s eleven for the second Test. He emphasizes the importance of having diversity in spin bowling line-ups, especially on black dirt pitches.
Hanuma Vihari supported Kuldeep Yadav:
Team India, on their return to the longest format, registered a thumping 280-run win in the first Test against Bangladesh in Chennai. In that match, India played with two spinners and Kuldeep Yadav missed his place in the plastic xi. However, Kanpur features a black dirt pitch and the Indian team could make a difference. Keeping this in mind, Hanuma Vihari feels that Kuldeep Yadav deserves a chance in the xi play of the second Test.
“They will probably make a change, maybe play an extra spinner instead of a fast bowler,” Vihari said. I think Kuldeep should play in the number 11. Because if you have all the finger spinners, you won’t be able to get much help at the Kanpur stadium. It won’t get as bad as what we saw in Chennai. It takes a lot for soil to deteriorate.”
Later he said: “In the end, our result against New Zealand was better and we were able to draw the Test match against India in Kanpur. So, I think they need variety and Kuldeep Yadav will be in the top 11 because that is his area too.”
Kuldeep has taken 53 wickets in 12 Tests since his debut in 2017. The Kanpur native knows the conditions well, which gives him an advantage in the game. Commenting on this, he said, “I don’t think it’s a no-brainer because he knows the situation here best. If the wicket doesn’t offer anything to the fast bowlers and there is no grass on the pitch, I think it’s straight up Kuldeep.” For one of the fast bowlers.”
Vihari on the state of Kanpur:
India’s record at this stadium is not impressive. This place is famous for its black dirt pitch. Of the 23 matches played here, 17 ended in draws. For the upcoming match, the stadium will feature another black dirt pitch for the second Test match. The Indian middle-order batsman shared his views on the conditions.
“From my experience of playing and watching in Kanpur, I think it will be a slower wicket compared to Chennai,” he said. There will be less bounce than what we saw in Chennai. Because there they played on red dirt pitches which offered more bounce. But the Kanpur pitch will test the bowlers.”
He later said, “You really have to be patient to get wickets and the batsmen will have a good time in Kanpur compared to in Chennai. So I think patience is important, and I think anyone who sticks to it for a long time will see good results. Obviously, India have had a good experience in Kanpur, but they have drawn against New Zealand in 2021.”
Brad Hogg believes Virat Kohli may fall short of Sachin Tendulkar’s Test record.
Welcome the brilliance of Ashwin Jadeja:
The first Test between India and Bangladesh was thrilling to watch. In the first innings, the Ashwin-Jadeja duo showed great strength after the top order failed. Ashwin’s century and Jadeja’s innings of 76 pushed India to post a huge total. Praising them, Vihari said, “Ashwin and Jadeja have brought a big change to the Indian batting line-up. What they have created is second to none, especially when talking about the overall impact. They are the first and second best all-rounders in the world, but the impact they make with the bat is enormous.”
Later he said, “In the first innings in Chennai, where India were in trouble at 144/6, Ashwin got a century and bailed India out of a difficult situation. Jadeja has also been batting really well recently during overseas tours. He’s been pretty much our best hitter the last few years, so that’s the impact they’ve made.”
Lastly, he said, “I think it’s the experience and confidence I gained from playing international cricket for many years. There is no substitute for experience and that is what they have gained over the years. It’s been over 10 years since they played together. When they bat together, they understand each other even with the bat. So the confidence and experience gained from playing Test cricket over the years is now showing.”
More tributes to Ravichandran Ashwin:
In the first Test match against Bangladesh, India’s spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin made the game a success with his brilliance. After ensuring India to safety in the first innings with a brilliant century, he shone with the ball in the second innings as well. He took six important wickets and achieved several milestones. Expectations are high for him after his outstanding all-round performance.
Regarding this, Hanuma Vihari said: “His performances speak more than what I am saying as he was one of India’s great players. He took over 500 wickets and then scored 600 runs in Test cricket. His methods were commendable. Continue~ am.”
Later, he said, “I learned the batting form while practicing the game while playing TNPL. We have always known about bowler Ashwin, but I think his batting has also improved. “It may sound funny, but he’s 38 years old and he’s still taking batting practice.”
Finally, he added: “Plus, in Tests, it’s not just the running, but the way he got it – it’s his fastest Test hundred at the moment – it shows he’s committed to his game and stroke play, and it’s clearly evident in his approach. He was playing for Chennai.”
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