I don't see any reason why Washington should be replaced: Deep Dasgupta

The second Test match of the Anthony de Mello Trophy between India and England is set to begin on 13th February at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Team India is expected to make some changes to their playing eleven after falling short to the visitors in the first test match.

Answering a fan question on Sports Today, former cricketer turned commentator Deep Dasgupta batted for the selection of Royal Challengers Bangalore all-rounder Washington Sundar and also opined that Shahbaz Nadeem might be replaced for the second Test match.

"Honestly with how Shahbaz(Nadeem) bowled in the last Test match, I think there will be a replacement. Washington Sundar was played more as a batsman who can bowl somebody who can bat at number 7 and he did a wonderful job, especially in the first innings, the way he batted. So I don't see any reason why Washington should be replaced unless it's a strategic call,” Deep Dasgupta answered to a question on Sports Today.

Given that Ravindra Jadeja is not contention for selection because he is not fit, a few reports suggest that Gujarat-born all-rounder, Axar Patel, has been cleared and deemed fit for selection. The former wicket-keeper believes that both Kuldeep Yadav and Patel are good-quality spinners, but he sees the 27-year-old as a like-for-like replacement for Nadeem with respect to his left-arm orthodox bowling.

"I do see a replacement but the question is who. I think both Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel are quality choices. Axar would have been your first choice even in the first Test match but unfortunately, he was injured. Axar could be a very, very good choice and so will Kuldeep but I think Axar because left-arm orthodox spinner brings in more control, that's the reason why he might be preferred and it's a straight swap, Axar coming in for Nadeem (both are left-arm spinners). I don't see both of them playing together and I guess Axar will be a choice," Deep Dasgupta said.

[Sports Today input]