NEW DELHI: India are expected to make at least two changes for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, with skipper Shubman Gill likely to be replaced by Sai Sudharsan at the top of the order.
For the remaining vacancy in the XI, spin-bowling all-rounder Axar Patel and pace-bowling all-rounder Nitish Reddy appear to be the prime contenders as the team finalises its combination for Saturday.
While the management has kept selection calls under wraps, Rishabh Pant is poised to create history by becoming India's 38th Test captain.
The big talking point now centres around how India will shape their lineup on a Barsapara surface that is expected to offer a more balanced contest than the challenging Eden Gardens pitch.
It is still unclear whether the surface will have its grass covering trimmed, and whether BCCI curators Taposh Chatterjee and Ashish Bhowmick will once again employ scrubbers - a method that can loosen the top layer of soil and potentially produce variable bounce.
If one looks at Gill's replacement, the best bet among the reserved seemed to be Sudharsan, who has already played five Tests but with very little to show for his efforts.
Pitch talk heats up: SA bowling coach hints at batting-friendly Test if grass gets trimmed
In terms of talent, there is not much to choose between Devdutt Padikkal and Sudharsan with both being left-handers.
One of the interesting aspects will be the No.3 slot where Sudharsan batted in earlier games. However the more experienced Washington did a fair job across both innings.
In that case, Sudharsan can bat at No.6, allowing Washington to settle in his new position.
The second part of the jigsaw puzzle is whether playing four spinners is a luxury and obviously on diabolical surfaces, one will certainly be under-bowled.
Even though Axar Patel batted well in the second innings in Kolkata, when it comes to choice as a spinner, he is way behind Kuldeep Yadav, who loses out because of his inferior batting.
But in case, the grass is persisted with, keeping the bind of red soil track intact, then Nitish Reddy, who also is a right-hander will come into the equation.
(With PTI Inputs)
