With a 2-1 lead in hand, India will take on England in the fourth Test in Ranchi, hoping to clinch the five-match series. However, the hosts, who have already missed key players in three matches so far, will be without the services of Jasprit Bumrah, who was released from the squad ahead of the game, starting Friday, February 23. The decision to rest Bumrah “was taken keeping in mind the duration of the series and amount of cricket he has played in recent times.” Mukesh Kumar, who was released from the squad for the 3rd Test, has been added back to the team as a cover for Bumrah.
England captain Ben Stokes said that he found the appearance of the pitch in Ranchi quite deceptive as he felt it has a proper grass cover from a distance but on a closer inspection, the all-rounder found that there were several visible cracks and can be challenging for both the batting and bowling sides.
As per Stokes’ description of the pitch, India might be tempted to play an extra spinner, with Axar Patel replacing Bumrah in the XI.
Here’s what we think could be India’s playing XI for the 4th Test vs England:
Openers: Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal
India captain Rohit Sharma silenced his doubters with a key century in the first innings of the game in Rajkot. Rohit, during a 200+ runs stand with Ravindra Jadeja, managed to bail India out of danger. He will look to get another big one in Ranchi with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul both ruled out.
Yashasvi Jaiswal made it two double centuries in as many games. The young opener lead the series scoring charts with 545 runs in six innings. He will continue to open with Rohit.
Middle-Order: Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel
Just like Rohit, Gill also did a huge favour to himself and India, smashing 91 in the second innings in Rajkot. A big knock is due from Gill in the remaining matches.
Madhya Pradesh star Rajat Patidar hasn’t managed to adapt to the pressure of international cricket. In two games he made 46 runs at 11.50. However, he is likely to be backed by the management for another game.
Making their respective debuts in Rajkot, batter Sarfaraz Khan and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel looked unflustered by the occasion.
Sarfaraz, after years of toiling in domestic cricket, took the opportunity when it arrived. He smashed half-centuries in both the innings, and could’ve reached triple figures in both if it wasn’t for a unfortunate run out and India’s declaration.
Jurel, who replace KS Bharat as the stumper, was technically and temperamentally sound. He also hit a quikfire 46 in the first innings and was livewire behind the sticks.
All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja
Jadeja shone on his homeground, smashing a century in the first innings. He also proved to be the match-winner with the ball, bagging a five-wicket haul in the second innings as India blew away England.
Ashwin took his 500th Test wicket in only his second over of the match. However, it took him a couple of days to get his 501st, having flown to Chennai mid-match to spend time with his ill mother.
Bowlers: Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep
Kuldeep will play as the third spin options while Siraj will lead the pace attack in Bumrah’s absence. Bengal pacer Akash Deep is most likely to make his debut.
India Predicted XI for 4th Test vs England:
Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep.
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