India will head into the second Test against the West Indies in New Delhi with a slight selection dilemma on their hands. After sealing a commanding innings victory in the series opener in Ahmedabad last week, India will approach the final match of the two-Test series with plenty of confidence. However, a few key selection calls will be in focus as they look to wrap up the home assignment on a high before departing for the much-anticipated tour of Australia.

One of the major talking points in recent times has been the workload management of Jasprit Bumrah. It remains to be seen whether the pace spearhead will be given the green light to play the second Test. Many were surprised by his inclusion in the series against the West Indies, given the expectation of one-sided contests. Nevertheless, Bumrah led the attack in the Ahmedabad Test and played a key role in India’s victory.

As discussions around team selection continue, former India wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has suggested that Mohammed Siraj could be given a break ahead of the Australia tour. Patel pointed out that Siraj is part of the one-day international squad for the three-match series beginning on 19 October. Bumrah, meanwhile, has been rested from the ODI series but will return for the five T20Is in Australia starting on 29 October.

Patel also said that India might look to use Nitish Kumar Reddy more as a bowling option in the second Test. The young all-rounder featured in the Ahmedabad match but bowled only four overs.

“It’s a tricky situation. Jasprit Bumrah is resting from the ODI series against Australia, but I expect him to feature in the second Test. Mohammad Siraj is heading to Australia for the ODIs, so Nitish Kumar Reddy is likely to replace him there and may be considered for the South Africa series as well,” Patel told Star Sports.

“For the second Test, I’d like to see Nitish utilised more as both, a batter and bowler. On Day 3 of the last Test, he had a chance to bowl a few overs but didn’t get enough opportunities. That’s something India could explore,” he added.

It remains to be seen whether India will go down that route, especially considering Bumrah entered the series against the West Indies immediately after playing in the Asia Cup last month. Siraj, on the other hand, was rested during the Asia Cup but was heavily used during India’s tour of England earlier this year. He was the only fast bowler from either side to play all five Tests in that series and led the attack in the finale in Bumrah’s absence.

India also have the option of fielding Prasidh Krishna if they decide to rest one of their two frontline pacers for the second Test in New Delhi. With the mornings in the capital city expected to be chilly, pacers may find some assistance early on. According to a PTI report, curators at the venue are confident of producing a good batting pitch that will begin to offer spin from Day 3 onwards.

SAI SUDHARASAN TO PLAY?

Meanwhile, Patel downplayed the likelihood of Devdutt Padikkal replacing Sai Sudharsan but cautioned that the Tamil Nadu batter must start making his chances count sooner rather than later.

“Regarding Devdutt Padikkal, given the current batting line-up and Sai Sudharsan’s role at number three, Padikkal might have to wait for his chance. Sai Sudharsan will need to capitalise on the opportunity when it comes.”

Sudharsan, who made his debut in England, has scored 147 runs in four Tests at an average of 21. The team management appears keen to persist with him at No. 3, hoping the young left-hander can settle into what is arguably one of the toughest positions in Test cricket.

– Ends

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