India’s Predicted Playing XI for the second Test against Bangladesh

India’s opening Test against Bangladesh at the Holkar Stadium in Indore turned out to be a one-sided affair as the hosts won by an innings and 130 runs. It’s now time for the day-night affair at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. The game under the lights have been the point of the tour with both teams, yet to play a game of such nature.

The venue has been painted in pink and there’s eagerness. Team India also extended their stay in Indore in order to get accustomed to playing the pink cherry. Analysis over how the pink ball would behave has been done with dew also set to play a part, if not a massive one.

Going into the final Test, Virat Kohli’s men may think about making subtle changes to their eleven. Above all, it goes without saying that India will start the encounter as the favourites.

In our article, let’s take a look at India’ Predicted XI for the Kolkata Test

Openers (Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma)

Mayank Agarwal and Rohit Sharma have flourished as Test openers in the last few Tests and there’s no question of tinkering with their position. The latter would be a little disappointed though after he missed out on a track that didn’t have much for the bowlers.

Abu Jayed Rahi found his outside edge and cut short his knock in the single digits. But he is too good a batter to stay bogged down for long. Rohit has great numbers at Eden across all formats and he will be keen to rack up a good score. On the other hand, Mayank is in the form of his life.

Imrul Kayes dropped him the slip, after which the right-hander made merry. He got to a double ton, thereby putting India in a commanding position. With the ball expected to swing a bit more, it will be interesting to see the openers’ approach.

Middle-order (Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman Saha, Hanuma Vihari)

The hosts may wish to include Hanuma Vihari for the game in order to strengthen their batting in conditions, expected to be a tad tricky. The Andhra batsman brings in the reliability factor and someone, who can wear bowling attacks down with his grit and determination.

The 26-year-old has been a tad on the unlucky side as he hasn’t been a regular fixture, despite scoring heavily in Test cricket. The rest of the middle order remains the same. Cheteshwar Pujara hasn’t been at his best especially after the Australia tour last year and being a stalwart, he is due for a big knock.

It’s also a chance for skipper Kohli to make amends after Abu Jayed pinned him for a two-ball duck. Ajinkya Rahane has looked fluent in Indore and even veteran Wriddhiman Saha didn’t seem to be any sort of discomfort.

All-rounders (Ravindra Jadeja)

Ravindra Jadeja- the bowler- has always been a handy prospect for Team India, having picked up 211 wickets in 47 matches. But in the last few months, Jadeja- the batsman- has started creating headaches for oppositions. With 60*, 51, 91, 30* and 40 being his last five Test innings, the southpaw has lately been trusted to come above the likes of Saha and Ashwin, who has four tons.

Bowlers (Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami)

More than the spinners, it’s the Indian pacers, who have wreaked havoc in recent times. Jasprit Bumrah hasn’t been a part of the Test side for the last four matches, but Umesh Yadav, who came in as his replacement, hasn’t flattered to deceive either.

To start with, they bounced out South Africa in the three-match series and now the Bangladesh batsmen have had to face the brunt of the seamers. In the Indore Test, Shami, Ishant and Umesh had a combined tally of 14 wickets. Jadeja, one of their leading wicket-takers at home, went wicketless.

Due to the thunderous show by the pacers, India hardly needed Jadeja. The pink cherry is speculated to seam around and the pace trio can turn out to be calamitous. The Bangladesh batsmen will have their task cut out while facing the speedsters.