'If Not Using Siraj Much, Then Why Not Play an Extra Batter': Parthiv Patel's Advice for Vizag Test

The 28-run defeat in Hyderabad was a bitter pill to swallow for India and they will be more cautious when they lock horns with England in the second Test, starting Friday Vizag. Selecting the final XI will be a headache again for\

the management, especially when the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul have been ruled out due to injury. Question also looms over Siraj’s participation who didn’t have a great outing at his home ground.

While Jasprit Bumrah bagged a 6-wicket match haul in the series opener, Siraj bowled just 11 overs and conceded 50 runs without anything on the wickets column. Going by the fact that the Hyderabad bowler didn’t reap success on a turner and wasn’t used enough, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel suggested that India can field an extra pure batter by benching Siraj in the next fixture.

“There is no doubt that three spinners are enough, but I have a different perspective. You have used Siraj for only six or seven overs throughout the Test. Axar Patel played ahead of Kuldeep Yadav because of his batting abilities, as mentioned by Rohit Sharma before the Test. And if you are not using Siraj much, then why not play an extra pure batter,” Parthiv told JioCinema.

“So, you will have three types of bowlers in Ashwin, Axar, and Kuldeep, and the extra batter will add depth to the batting. And there’s no point playing someone if you are going to give him only seven overs,” he added.

Toss-up between Sarfaraz and Patidar

With Rahul getting ruled out due to a quadriceps issue, the toss-up between Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar to fill the void. Sarfaraz, who received a maiden call-up on Monday, will have competition with Rajat Patidar, who was earlier added as a replacement for Virat Kohli.

Former India opener Aakash Chopra though feels that Sarfaraz with his unorthodox strokeplay and ability to play spinners makes for a better option.

“Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar are now with the Test squad. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli are still not there. India will now have to play either Rajat Patidar or Sarfaraz. You may pick Sarfaraz because he plays in an unorthodox fashion and is a very good player of spin,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.