India had an opportunity to take unassailable series lead in Rajkot but faltered in 172 chase.
Shami’s inclusion in the previous match forced the team to rest left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, as India opted for a spin-heavy attack featuring Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Varun Chakravarthy, and Ravi Bishnoi.
However, unlike the spin-friendly surface used for the October Test against New Zealand, the pitch for this game is expected to be more balanced. This could prompt India to bring back Arshdeep and Rinku, possibly at the expense of Sundar or Bishnoi and wicketkeeper-batter Dhruv Jurel.
Rinku, who missed the last two games due to lower back spasms, was fit and available for selection during India’s practice session on Thursday. England, meanwhile, chose to skip training.
A fascinating battle looms between India’s spin attack and England’s premier leg-spinner Adil Rashid.
Bishnoi, who has struggled in the series—conceding 95 runs in 12 overs for just one wicket—was particularly expensive in the last game, leaking two fours and five sixes. Given England’s aggressive approach, India will need a well-thought-out bowling strategy.
The surface is expected to offer some assistance to the bowlers, but Indian batters cannot afford to take England’s pace attack, led by Jofra Archer, lightly.
In the previous game, England successfully restricted India for 43 consecutive deliveries in the middle overs, a key factor in their victory. Coach Gautam Gambhir will likely address this issue as India look to avoid another batting collapse.
Hardik Pandya remains a crucial asset due to his all-round abilities, but questions linger over his strike rate when batting before the 10th over.
Skipper Suryakumar Yadav will also have to ensure better utilization of resources—Jurel was sent in too late in the last match, while Axar Patel was under-bowled, and Washington Sundar’s lone over proved costly.
England’s victory in Rajkot marked only India’s third defeat.
