Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has expressed support for Devdutt Padikkal to debut in India’s final Test against England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. India is set to face England in the last match of their Test series on March 7, with the hosts already securing an unassailable 3-1 lead after victories in Vizag, Rajkot, and Ranchi, following a loss in Hyderabad.
Devdutt Padikkal is likely to make his Test debut in the 5th Test against England. [HT] pic.twitter.com/idZgRabVLI
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In an interview with Star Sports prior to the fifth Test, Bangar suggested that Padikkal could make his Test debut, while also predicting Jasprit Bumrah to replace Kuldeep Yadav. Padikkal, who was called up before the third Test, may potentially replace Rajat Patidar for the final match due to Patidar’s lackluster performance, managing only 63 runs in six innings.
“It will be slightly cold and there will be a little seam movement because of the altitude at which the ground is located. Because of that, there will be one condition-based change. Jasprit Bumrah can return in place of Kuldeep Yadav. So India will play with three fast bowlers – (Mohammed) Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep,” said Bangar.
“Because Rajat (Patidar) hasn’t scored runs in three Test matches, you can see a new debutant there. The Indian team can give a chance to Devdutt Padikkal. So two changes according to me,” Bangar added.
Bangar praised India’s fast bowlers, attributing their success in the Test series to their outstanding performance. Bumrah, in particular, has been a standout performer, along with Ravindra Jadeja, leading India’s bowling attack with 17 wickets at an impressive average of 13.64.
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