Only 11 of the 36 wickets that bowlers claimed during the Test (one was a run-out) went to fast bowlers, while spinners claimed 25 of the wickets. Bangladesh was able to score more runs in the second innings than they did in the first, which placed India’s three spinners under a lot of strain in the fourth innings.
In the first innings, there was a lot of discussion over leaving out Kuldeep, the Player of the Match in the last Test. Following the close three-wicket victory, Rahul was questioned on the lineup. However, after observing the field before the game and on the first day, we believed that both fast bowlers and spinners would benefit.
In light of this, we sought to field the most evenly matched squad possible. That was the decision we reached. If you look at the 20 wickets we got, several of them [ten] were even taken by the fast bowlers. They received a lot of help, and the bounce was really erratic. We made all of these choices while keeping in mind our ODI playing experience at Mirpur.
We participated in two [ODIs] here, and we observed that both fast and spin bowlers received support. You must possess both given that a Test match lasts four or five days. You need to attack in balance, thus I think you made the appropriate choice.”
There are arguments for and against this choice, but statistical evidence suggests that India’s top four have been having trouble with spin for some time. India needs three out of four victories at home in the final series to win the World Test Championship for the second consecutive cycle.
Even the most ardent supporters of the squad are not confident in India’s batting, especially against spin, despite the fact that they have only lost two home Test matches in the past 10 years. When questioned about the batsmen’s vulnerability to spin, Rahul responded, “Whatever the conditions, whether it’s seaming or turning, at the end of the day, batters will get out.
You will go out to the spinners if the pitch helps them. You’ll reach out to seamers if it’s helpful. We don’t actually consider the possibility that we are simply losing against fast or spin bowlers. As you mentioned, we will face Australia at home in four crucial Test matches. I anticipate that the pitches will be pretty similar to those we have used here.
There will be some spin assistance, so it will be a challenge for us hitters to adjust as quickly as possible. Every player is unique and needs to find his or her own path. You have faith in the person to make the right decision.