India veteran cricketer Hanuma Vihari questioned Shubman Gill's decision to pick four spinners in the playing XI for the opener Test against South Africa at iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. India are featuring with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar in the first Test match.
Notably, apart from picking four spinners, Sundar will most likely to bat at number three. Vihari, who was a part of Ajinkya Rahane-led Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) winning squad, took his 'X' formerly known as Twitter and posted that in Test cricket, a specialist player plays in a specialist position.
"Never believed 4 spinners are required even on rank turners. Specialist players ln specialist position should be the case in test cricket. All-rounders are fancy. White ball suits them" posted Hanuma Vihar on his 'X'.
India created unique record in the 1st Test
Shubman Gill-led India have created a unique record in the first Test match by featuring with six left-handed batters in the playing XI for the first time in the history of Test Cricket. Yashasvi Jaiswal, Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav are part of India’s playing XI for the opening Test against South Africa
Bumrah's twin blow put India on top at Lunch
Legendary speedster Jasprit Bumrah's two-wicket haul in the first session put India in command after South Africa were off to a good start. Bumrah (2/9) dismissed both the openers, Ryan Rickelton (23) and Aiden Markram (31), after the Proteas were off to a good start. Before lunch, veteran spinner Kuldeep Yadav joined hands with Bumrah, picking skipper Temba Bavuma's (3) wicket to put India in further control. At the break, Wiaan Mulder (22 batting) and Tony de Zorzi (15 batting) were at the crease.