Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has thrown his weight behind Devdutt Padikkal, tipping him to earn his Test debut in India’s upcoming fifth and final Test against England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. With India already leading the series 3-1, the anticipation for new faces in the lineup is high, and Bangar sees Padikkal as a prime candidate for inclusion.
In an interview with Star Sports leading up to the crucial Test, Bangar suggested that Padikkal could step in for Rajat Patidar, who has struggled to make an impact in his Test career so far. Patidar’s underwhelming performance, managing just 63 runs in six innings, opens the door for Padikkal, who received his call-up before the third Test.
Bangar also predicted a strategic change in the bowling lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah likely to replace Kuldeep Yadav to capitalize on the conditions at Dharamsala. He emphasized the significance of the seam movement due to the ground’s altitude, indicating a preference for pace over spin.
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“The conditions in Dharamsala suggest a bit of seam movement, which suits Bumrah’s style of bowling. Pairing him with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep can bolster India’s pace attack,” explained Sanjay Bangar.
Reflecting on India’s Test series success against England, Sanjay Bangar credited the fast bowlers for their pivotal role. Highlighting Bumrah’s standout performances alongside Akash Deep’s impactful spells, Bangar emphasized the crucial contributions made by India’s pace battery throughout the series.
“The fast bowlers have been the real heroes for India in this series. Whether it was Bumrah’s brilliance in the second Test or Akash Deep’s crucial spells in the fourth, their contributions have been instrumental in India’s victories,” Sanjay Bangar remarked.
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With Padikkal potentially making his Test debut and Bumrah’s return strengthening the pace attack, India aims to seal the series with another emphatic performance in the final Test against England.
