It is not a surprise that India has backed the theory of playing three seamers and one spinner in the overseas conditions. The foreign conditions are known to be conducive to seam bowling and thus it is expected that India will back a full-packed seam attack in the red ball version. Consequently, it is reported by PTI that chinaman spinner Kuldeep Yadav can make way for Navdeep Saini for the two-match Test series against New Zealand.
India is all set to tour New Zealand for five T20Is, three One Day Internationals and two Test matches. The team has already left India and will begin their practice in New Zealand. Meanwhile, Navdeep Saini has impressed with his raw pace and has troubled the opposition batsmen.
Saini has impressed with his pace.
The Delhi fast bowler was awarded the Man of the series in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. Saini took five wickets in the two matches as he breathed down the neck of the opposition. Thus, he can be a good addition to the side on the tour of New Zealand, where the pitches will assist the fast bowlers.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to play in the overseas conditions with Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the Test squad. Both the all-rounders are given the preference in the final XI when India comes out in the whites in alienate conditions. Kuldeep had last played in Sydney Test match against Australia in which he had taken a five-wicket haul.
Meanwhile, India has suffered a few injury blows before the New Zealand tour. Shikhar Dhawan, who had injured his shoulder while diving in the third ODI against Australia is ruled out of the five-match T20I series against the Kiwis. Furthermore, India’s pack leader Ishant Sharma has suffered an ankle injury which has put his participation in doubt.
The lanky pacer had to limp off the field while playing the Ranji Trophy match for Delhi against defending champions Vidarbha, which makes Saini case more stronger.