Former India wicket-keeper batsman turned renowned commentator Deep Dasgupta has said that the competition for a place in the Test side is going between Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur. He also shared that Ravindra Jadeja would be the first choice if India decided to go with just one spinner as well.

Notably, R Ashwin has been India’s most successful spinner in recent time. While there was criticism as Virat Kohli decided to leave him out for the first Test and chose Ravindra Jadeja, the veteran believes Jadeja was preferred due to his batting abilities. However, Deep Dasgupta said that the competition is not between Ashwin and Jadeja.

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“Lot of people have been asking this question and talking about how there is a competition between Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. But personally, I think it is not between Jadeja and Ashwin, it’s more between Shardul and Ashwin. That’s more of a tactical decision that the Indian management needs to make,” Deep Dasgupta said on BBC’s Test Match Special podcast. “As far as competition is concerned, I think it’s more between him and Hanuma Vihari, whom do you play at no.6.”

It is also noteworthy that, Hanuma Vihari was last featured in the Test at Sydney Cricket Ground where his steady knock saved the Test for India alongside R Ashwin. Deep Dasgupta, however, wants India to play the same playing XI in the second Test at Lord’s also.

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“I would be really surprised if they make any changes for the second Test match. As far as the fast bowling is also concerned, they have bowled a total of 150 overs, that’s all right. Also, the fact that there was this one month break before this Test match. They have had enough time to relax and chill and rest. ”

The second Test between England and India will take place at Lord’s on Thursday, August 12 as well.