New Delhi: After the excitement of the Australia tour the IPL and the T20 World Cup the focus has now shifted back to Test cricket for a while. This will be Indias last Test series of the year after which there will be no Test matches for almost eight months. This series against World Test Champions South Africa is crucial for India. Since 2000 both teams have only dominated on their home grounds. Therefore coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill will want to field the strongest possible playing XI this time. However a tough competition for one spot in the team is expected between three players – Dhruv Jurel Axar Patel and Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Kolkata Test: Three Contenders for One Spot
The Indian team has been selecting players based on the conditions in recent years and this strategy has proven effective. However India is playing a Test match at Eden Gardens after six years. The last time a Test was played here it was a day-night match where fast bowlers dominated. This time too due to moisture and dew on the pitch seamers are likely to get assistance. Therefore it is uncertain whether the team will play an extra spinner or another all-rounder.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: Balancing Bat and Ball
Nitish Kumar Reddy can be considered as a fast-bowling option. Although he has recently returned from injury and his form has been average he also possesses batting ability which adds depth to the team. He played a useful innings of 43 runs against the West Indies although he didnt get much opportunity to bowl. He has bowled limited overs against Australia and England but the team management might consider him as an all-round option.

Axar Patel: A Challenge in the Spin Department
With Ravindra Jadeja Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar already in the squad there doesnt seem to be a need for a fourth spinner. The Kolkata pitch is unlikely to be a turner so Axar Patel will only find a place in the team if Sundar is dropped. During Gambhirs coaching tenure Axar has mostly been seen as a white-ball all-rounder. Sundars current form might give him an edge in the role of the second spinning all-rounder.

Dhruv Jurel: Expectations Rise Due to Consistent Performance
Dhruv Jurel has been in superb form over the past few months. In Rishabh Pants absence he scored a century against the West Indies and played crucial innings against England. He also scored centuries for India A against Australia A and South Africa A. According to former opener Aakash Chopra “Pant is the vice-captain and will play but Jurel should also get a place in the playing XI.” Given his form it would be unfair to keep him out of the playing XI.

Story Highlights

All eyes on the Kolkata Test Indias last Test series of the year.
A three-way battle for one spot between Axar Patel Nitish Kumar Reddy and Dhruv Jurel.
The Kolkata pitch could assist seamers and all-rounders.
Dhruv Jurels consistent form could pose a challenge for the selectors.