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Varun Chakaravarthy and Axar Patel are likely to be India’s spinners for the first T20I.
Washington Sundar might not get a place in India’s 11 for the 1st T20I vs England. (Picture Credit: Sportzpics)
India are expecting significant dew at the Eden Gardens for the first T20I against England on Wednesday and are likely to go with just two spinners in their playing 11. According to news agency PTI, those two are likely to be all-rounder and vice-captain Axar Patel and the in-form Varun Chakaravarthy.
The team has been practicing with the wet ball to prepare themselves for the dew, which is quite prevalent here in winter. The wet ball is difficult to grip and control, especially for spinners, which means leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and off-spinner Washington Sundar are likely to warm the bench for the series opener.
“If we know there is going to be a heavy dew, you start preparing with the wet ball. You start bowling with the wet ball during practice sessions. You field with the wet ball. So these are the things which are in your control,” skipper Suryakumar said in the pre-series press conference, as quoted by PTI.
“We try to control all those things which we can during practice sessions so that when the game comes, we are prepared.”
Pacers are generally preferred in such conditions, so pace all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, who had a good Test tour of Australia, could be in for a chance.
Suryakumar excited about Shami and Rinku’s return to Kolkata
India has also been boosted by Mohammed Shami’s return after over a year away with injuries on his ankle and knee.
“It’s always good to have an experienced bowler in your side, and he is making a comeback after over a year,” Suryakumar said. I am really excited to see him. I have seen his journey, how he focused on his bowling and recovery at the NCA. It felt good to see him (Shami) on the ground. He has bowled well too. Obviously, he has done his preparation, and he was confident from the start.”
Shami won’t be the only one playing at his home ground. Kolkata Knight Riders’ Rinku Singh is also returning to his second home and Suryakumar wants to see the best of him to entertain the crowd.
“I want to see him hitting sixes. He has measured all the nooks and corners of Eden Gardens, having played a lot of cricket here. It will be a good welcome for him. It’s always a good stadium with a great atmosphere,” Suryakumar said.
