When India finalizes their starting lineup for the first Test match against South Africa, which begins in Kolkata on Friday, captain Shubman Gill acknowledged that the decision between a spinner and an extra seamer is nothing short of a “conflict,” but the ability of tweakers at home to change the game will be a critical factor.
Akash Deep is the team’s third pacer, while the unstoppable Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will undoubtedly be in the starting lineup at Eden Gardens. With Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja, India’s spin department has plenty of depth.
Washington, Axar, and Jadeja are all-rounders who provide batting power.
“It’s always this time of the year, there is always a conflict if you want to go for an extra seamer or spinner. That’s why we will see the condition tomorrow and decide on the XI,” Gill said in the pre-match press conference, on the eve of the first Test, on Thursday.
Gill stated that spinners have the power to decide the outcome of a game, but he did not elaborate.
“It’s more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game,” he added.
He continued by discussing the importance of Washington, Jadeja, and Axar as batters.
“We are fortunate to have good batting all-rounders, be it Axar, Washington or Jadeja, their bowling and batting records are excellent, especially in India. It’s going to be an exciting Test, and it’s good to have more options,” he noted.
Gill wasn’t prepared to discount the potential contribution of pacers in the event that Kolkata’s pitch goes dry.
“Reverse swing plays a big part if it’s a dry wicket. During the 2024 series against England the pacers took crucial wickets even as the pitches were spin friendly. If it’s reversing the pacers are always in the game,” he reasoned.
Despite the experienced pacer performing well in Bengal’s Ranji Trophy matches, Mohammad Shami’s exclusion from the South Africa series selection generated a lot of controversy. Gill stated that it’s never easy to look past someone with Shami’s level of skill.
“Not many bowlers are of his quality. But the ones playing have done a terrific job. Sometimes it’s difficult for players like Shami bhai to miss out. The selectors will be able to give you a better answer to that,” he said.
The 26-year-old stated that as a three-format player, he is still figuring out how to handle his workload. In addition to being the captain of India’s Test and ODI teams, Gill was recently elevated to vice-captain of the T20 team.
“I am still trying to figure out how to manage it. I think the workload, starting from the Asia Cup, we have been playing kind of back-to-back, travelling to different countries, switching between formats within four-five days.
“So, I am also trying to figure out what gives me the best chance to be able to perform and succeed in all those formats that I am going to play. But the challenge is definitely more mental than physical,” he added.
Gill also knew that South Africa, the reigning WTC champions, would be a formidable opponent for his team in the two-match series.
“We know that it won’t be easy against reigning WTC champions. There will be tough moments. But we have handled them well. These two Tests are important in the race to the WTC final.”
