Former India batter Sanjay Bangar has backed Devdutt Padikkal to make his Test debut in India’s fifth and final Test against England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala.
India will face England in the final match of their Test series on March 7. The hosts have taken an unassailable 3-1 lead in the Test series, bouncing back and registering wins in Vizag, Rajkot and Ranchi following their defeat in Hyderabad.
“It will be slightly cold and there will be a little seam movement because of the altitude at which the ground is located. Because of that, there will be one condition-based change. Jasprit Bumrah can return in place of Kuldeep Yadav. So India will play with three fast bowlers – (Mohammed) Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep,” said Bangar.
“Because Rajat (Patidar) hasn’t scored runs in three Test matches, you can see a new debutant there. The Indian team can give a chance to Devdutt Padikkal. So two changes according to me,” Bangar added.
“The standout performance or noticeable factor for India was the fast bowlers’ bowling. I remember Jasprit Bumrah’s spell in the second Test match or Akash Deep’s spell in the fourth Test match. India could win those Test matches because of the way the fast bowlers bowled in crucial stages,” said Bangar.
