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India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has dropped a big hint on the side's bowling attack for the upcoming Test against West Indies that is set to commence from October 10 at the Arun Jaitley stadium in Delhi. He stated that it is unlikely that they will change their combination from the first Test and that means that they will be going in with three fast bowling options and spinners each.
This means that Jasprit Bumrah will be included in India's playing XI for the match despite there being concerns regarding his workload. Many had expected the 31-year-old to skip the series entirely, but it seems like he will end up participating in both the games. Bumrah had looked in good touch in the previous match and had picked up seven scalps combined in the two innings.
“I’d say we’re unlikely to change the combination," ten Doeschate stated in the pre-match press-conference.
Ten Doeschate on Nitish Kumar Reddy
On the other hand, ten Doeschate also revealed the team management's plans of developing a reliable fast-bowling all-rounder. He further stated that they are hoping Nitish Kumar Reddy to be the one to step up for them and perform well in both the batting and bowling departments. This is the reason why he is likely to retain his place in the XI for the second West Indies Test.
“One of the objectives, one of the sort of medium-term objectives, is to develop a seam bowling all-rounder for India. It’s very important when we go away on tours that we have that position coming. We didn’t get a very good look at Nitish last week, so I think it’s actually a very good opportunity to give Nitish another go and not alter the balance of the team. We think he’s a fantastic seam-bowling all-rounder," ten Doeschate stated.
“Nitish, I think he’s shown everyone in Australia just how good he is as a batter. The challenge for him is going to be to make sure that he gets game time in between the away series. Like I answered the first question, I think in a series like this where you look at the combinations, it’s more important to look ahead and see how he gets game time and a chance to develop his bowling. But the crux of your question is we really like him, and we think he’s a quality all-rounder," he concluded.
India aiming for series whitewash
Meanwhile, India will be hoping to continue their fine form in red-ball cricket when they face West Indies in the final Test of the series. The Men in Blue will complete a clean sweep over their opponents if they do win the upcoming match and it may also make a big difference on the World Test Championship (WTC) standings where they currently sit third.
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