Virat Kohli has led team India in 38 Test matches and he has played a different looking XI on all the 38 occasions. Thus, it can be a different final XI, come the fourth Test match of the ongoing series against England.
However, one can argue that Virat Kohli and the Indian think-tank has done a lot of chop and change. But the results under the leadership of Virat Kohli speak for themselves. However, it is hard to predict what is going on in Virat Kohli’s part of the brain – which makes the selection decisions.
If Virat Kohli continues to surprise with his selection policies?
So, it is a tough job to predict what is Virat Kohli’s thinking cap planning?
Meanwhile, it was a complete performance from the Indian team in the third Test match at Trent Bridge. Thus, one would expect Virat Kohli to stick to the same playing XI. However, a couple of changes can be made given the injury woes.
Consequently, we take a look at two players who can get dropped from the fourth Test match playing XI.
Ravichandran Ashwin
Ravichandran Ashwin has been sublime for the Indian team. The off-spinner had scalped seven wickets in the first Test match at Edgbaston. However, Ashwin suffered a hip injury in the third Test match which has made his selection doubtful. Thus, it has left his selection for the fourth Test match to be hanging by a thin thread.
Ashwin looked in discomfort while chasing the ball on the final day of the Test match. Furthermore, the talisman scalped a solitary wicket at Trent Bridge.
In fact, if Ashwin is not able to make the cut into the playing XI, it is not only going to be a huge blow to the Indian bowling unit but also to the batting line-up. Ashwin has chipped in with crucial runs while batting down the order. Thus, he has added more depth to the depleted Indian batting.
If Ashwin is made to sit out because of his fitness, Ravindra Jadeja who is yet to play a match on this ongoing tour can fill in the big shoes of his spin partner.
Mohammed Shami
Shami can be put the scanner for the selection.
Mohammed Shami can bowl moody spells. However, Shami has impressed with his upright seam position but he hasn’t landed his deliveries on the right places. Thus, Shami can be dropped from the final playing XI of the Indian team.
In fact, Shami has looked threatening at times. He has beaten the bat on numerous occasions. However, the Bengal fast bowler has lacked the coup de grace in his armoury.
Furthermore, Shami scalped only two wickets (one in each innings) of the previous Test match at Trent Bridge. Consequently, Shami can make way for Umesh Yadav who was dropped after the first Test match.
Meanwhile, it would be interesting to note if Virat Kohli continues to surprise with his selection policies.