India’s Test squad for Bangladesh series could feature left-arm bowlers

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India’s Test squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh is expected to feature some changes, as the team management may rest some of the key players who have been playing continuously in different formats. One of the players who could be given a break is Jasprit Bumrah, the premier fast bowler who has been a vital cog in India’s pace attack across formats. Bumrah has played a lot of cricket in recent months, including the World Cup, the West Indies tour, and the South Africa series, and his workload management is a priority for the team.

In the absence of Bumrah, India will have to rely on other bowlers to lead the attack and take wickets on the pitches that are likely to assist seam and swing. One option that the selectors could consider is to pick a left-arm bowler, who can bring variety and a different angle of attack to the table. Left-arm seamers are known to trouble right-handed batsmen with their natural angle across the stumps, and also have the ability to swing the ball both ways, depending on the conditions.

Two left-arm bowlers who could be in contention for the Test squad are Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed. Arshdeep, who plays for Punjab in the domestic circuit, has impressed with his skills and temperament in the red-ball format. He has played 10 first-class matches so far, taking 34 wickets at an average of 23.85, with two five-wicket hauls. Arshdeep is a tall and lanky bowler who generates good bounce and movement off the pitch, and can bowl long spells with accuracy and control. He has also played for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, where he has shown glimpses of his potential in the T20 format.

Khaleel, on the other hand, is a more familiar name to the Indian cricket fans, as he has played for the national team in limited-overs cricket. Khaleel made his debut in 2018 and has played 11 ODIs and 14 T20Is so far, taking 19 and 14 wickets respectively. He is known for his ability to swing the ball at a decent pace, and also for his left-arm angle that can trouble the batsmen. However, Khaleel has also been criticized for his inconsistency and lack of control, which has led to him leaking runs and conceding boundaries at crucial moments. He has also been prone to injuries, which has hampered his progress and kept him out of action for long periods.

Despite these concerns, Khaleel remains a promising talent who could benefit from more exposure in the longer format. He has played only one first-class match so far, in which he took two wickets, but has shown glimpses of his potential in the domestic List A and T20 matches. If he can work on his accuracy and discipline, and learn to bowl longer spells without losing his rhythm, Khaleel could become a valuable asset for India in Test cricket.

Apart from the selection of the bowlers, the article also mentions the appointment of a new national selector for the North Zone. The BCCI has named Devender Sharma as the new selector, replacing Sarandeep Singh, who had completed his term. Sharma, a former first-class cricketer from Himachal Pradesh, has played 74 matches and taken 249 wickets in his career. He will join the other four selectors in picking the Indian team for the upcoming series and beyond.

In conclusion, India’s Test squad for the Bangladesh series could see some interesting changes, with the inclusion of a left-arm bowler being one of them. Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed are two options that the selectors could consider, depending on their form, fitness, and suitability for the conditions. While Arshdeep has more experience in the longer format, Khaleel has the potential to become a match-winner if he can overcome his weaknesses. The new selector for the North Zone, Devender Sharma, will also have a role to play in shaping the future of Indian cricket.

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