Why Kuldeep Yadav Isn't Playing IND vs ENG 1st Test In Hyderabad

In IND vs ENG pre-match conference on Wednesday, Rohit Sharma highlighted Axar Patel's all-round capabilities, emphasizing his significance for team India.

Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenge of excluding Kuldeep as he confirmed India's playing 11 for IND vs ENG 1st Test.

Source : Getty Images

In IND vs ENG 1st Test match in Hyderabad, the Indian cricket team opted for the all-round capabilities of Axar Patel over in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav. At the time of the toss, Indian captain Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenge of excluding Kuldeep as he confirmed India's playing 11 for the series opener against England.

After the toss, Rohit stated, "It was tough (to leave out Kuldeep Yadav). Axar has performed admirably and has shown his batting prowess in these conditions. That's probably why we went with Axar."

In the pre-match conference on Wednesday, Rohit Sharma highlighted Axar Patel's all-round capabilities, emphasizing his significance for team India. Speaking to reporters, Rohit stated, “You know, Axar gives us depth in batting with his all-round ability. The consistency he has shown while playing in these conditions in Test cricket is also an important factor for us.” 

Keeper-batter KS Bharat has been selected as part of India playing 11 and will don the keeping gloves against England in the series opener. Dhruv Jurel was also a contender for the batter-keeper's role but KS Bharat's impressive 116* off 165 balls while playing for India 'A' against England Lions strengthened his case for inclusion in the national team for 1st Test vs England.

The Indian lineup features spinners Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, and R Ashwin, along with fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. The team management has opted for a well-rounded combination of spin and pace bowlers to capitalize on the spin-friendly playing conditions in Hyderabad and provide a balanced attack against England. 

Playing 11s of both India vs England for IND vs ENG 1st Test in Hyderabad 

India Playing 11 for IND vs ENG 1st Test: Rohit Sharma (captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Srikar Bharat (wicketkeeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.

England Playing 11 for IND vs ENG 1st Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (C), Ben Foakes (W), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, Mark Wood, Jack Leach.