A green top at Headingley may have gained a lot of traction ahead of the first Test starting Friday. But word around is that the grass is likely to be shaven on the eve of the Test which has led to India keeping their cards close to the chest with regards to the XI that takes the field in the first Test. While India are still exploring their options, vice-captain Rishabh Pant has confirmed that newly appointed captain Shubman Gill will take the No 4 option with No 3 slot yet to be decided.
Following the retirement of Virat Kohli, the No 4 spot has been lying vacant and when Gill demoted himself to No 3 a year back, the impression was he would eventually demote himself when the transition happens. And with the transition well and truly in place, it has come as no surprise that Gill will be India’s new No 4 taking over the mantle from Kohli. Pant also revealed that he would bat No 5.
“I think there is still discussion going on as to who’s going to play at 3. But definitely 4 and 5 are fixed. I think Shubman is going to bat at number 4. And I’m going to stick to number 5 as of now. And rest, we’re going to keep on discussing,” Pant said at Leeds on Wednesday.
The Indian Express understands that India are keeping their options open about the combination as they feel the green top will give way to a more placid pitch as it gets closer to the Test and the surface seems to be dry. In that case, they are weighing their options to include Kuldeep Yadav as second spinner with Ravindra Jadeja also certain to start.
With regards to No 3 slot, a lot depends on the combination that India wants to take the field. In case, the team management prefers to play another all-rounder in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur or Washington Sundar, then they have to compromise on a frontline batsman as they are keen on starting with three pacers. As a result, there is still no guarantee with regards to B Sai Sudharsan making his debut. Karun Nair, who has become the new slip fielder in the cordon, is set to feature in his first Test since 2017. A clear picture on the combination is expected on the eve of the Test.
Apart from KL Rahul, vice-captain Pant remains India’s most experienced batsman now and the wicketkeeper batsman said he is in good space leading up to the Test series.
“Feels good, but at the same time, it’s a responsibility also to share your knowledge, your experience with new youngsters. But at the same time, not focussing on that senior part too much. You still have to play the game, you still have to learn the game as an individual. And keep helping people around you. Personally, I’m a good headspace. Whenever I play cricket, I look to contribute … being on the field, maybe batting, fielding, keeping. And that’s the kind of thought process with which I play cricket all the time. And nothing changes for me coming to England,” Pant said.
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Having drawn the Test series last time when they visited England shores in 2021, India have a stiff challenge this time with their batting unit going through a massive transition. But Pant asked the batting group to embrace the challenge of playing in England, where the overhead conditions could dictate how the day pans out.
“I think the idea is very simple. Look to play positively and play critically. But at the same time, we’ve got to respect the conditions. If there is a ball to hit, you’ve got to hit it. And if the condition requires you to leave the ball, struggle in, make yourself feel, why not do it? Just finding ways, I think that is one of the key factors for us. Like every game, every ball is a different ball altogether. You’ve got to keep finding ways during the match, even though there might be times when you’re struggling,” Pant added.
Having been stationed at Beckenham which is in London, India reached Leeds on Tuesday and had their first training session at Headingley on Wednesday.