Former India selector Jatin Paranjape has made a surprising suggestion regarding India’s bowling lineup for the highly anticipated tour of Australia later this year. He believes India’s team selection should prioritize current form over past performances, a viewpoint that could shake up the traditional approach to player selection.
India is riding high after a comprehensive 2-0 Test series victory against Bangladesh, but they are now gearing up for a much tougher challenge—a five-match Test series in Australia. This tour is crucial for India’s World Test Championship campaign, and although they have enjoyed success Down Under in recent years, the Australian challenge is never to be underestimated.
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Jatin Paranjape also shared his thoughts on the fitness uncertainty surrounding Mohammed Shami. According to him, if Shami is not available, India should rely on a pace trio consisting of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and the promising Akash Deep. However, if Shami is fit, Paranjape suggests that Akash Deep should still be considered ahead of Siraj, purely based on his current form.
“If Shami isn’t fit, Siraj becomes the automatic second fast bowler behind Bumrah. In Shami’s absence, Akash Deep would be the third seamer,” Jatin Paranjape told the Times of India. He believes India will likely take five fast bowlers, including Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar, with Arshdeep Singh and additional bowlers as reserves.
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Paranjape emphasized the importance of form over past success in Australian conditions, stating, “If Shami is fit, I’d be tempted to play Akash Deep ahead of Siraj purely based on current form.”
Before they head to Australia, India will first face New Zealand in a three-match home Test series, starting October 16 at Bengaluru’s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This series will serve as an essential warm-up for the challenges awaiting them in Australia.
