Possible playing XI for India in the 3rd test match

India and Australia will take on each other in the 3^rd test match at Ranchi on 16^th March with the series tied at 1-1. It promises to be a mouth-watering clash between these two top teams in the world with both teams trying to take a lead in the series. The pitch at Ranchi is expected to help the spinners which will keep the bowlers interested. Here we look at the playing XI for India in the 3^rd test match.

1.   Murali Vijay

Murali Vijay did not play the second test at Bengaluru due to injury in the shoulder during the first test match at Pune. He is expected to replace Abhinav Mukund at Ranchi. Murali Vijay did not score many runs in the first test match at Pune.

Murali Vijay has a solid technique and will be eager to perform for the in his 50^th test match.

2.   KL Rahul

KL Rahul was the star of show in the second test match at Bengaluru scoring 90 during the first innings where other batsmen struggled. In the second innings, KL Rahul provided a solid start scoring 51 runs. He must convert 50’s into big scores which will make him a great batsman.

In the third test match at Ranchi, KL Rahul job is to provide a solid foundation with Murali Vijay so that India can put up a decent total. He needs to play the new ball carefully.

3.   Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara struggled against Nathan Lyon during the first innings at Bengaluru. In the second innings, Pujara was dropped by Steve Smith earlier in the innings and took advantage by playing all Australian bowlers with solid technique scoring 92 important runs. He and Rahane put on 118 runs for the fifth wicket which helped India set Australia a target of 188.

The third test match at Ranchi will again be a test for Pujara to improve on his batting against Australian spinners. He needs to bat well in order to help India to dominate Australia.

4.   Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli did not have a great second test match at Bengaluru scoring 12 and 15 respectively. As a captain he rotated his bowlers on the second day giving away 197 runs only plus taking 6 wickets. During the second innings his bowling changes were spot on which helped India to bowl out Australia for 112.

With Virat Kohli failing in four innings so far, he will be eager to perform much better and help his country to take a 2-1 lead in the series.

5.   Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane was dismissed for 17 during the first innings at Bengaluru playing a poor stroke of Nathan Lyon. He showed excellent technique against the Australian spinners during the second innings and scored 52 runs which helped India’s cause.

Rahane contribution in the middle order will be important for India during the third test match at Ranchi. If he can do it in same way during the second innings, then India have a definite chance of winning the match.

6.   Wriddhiman Saha

Wriddhiman Saha played a key role in India’s win during the second test at Bengaluru. India lost quick wickets with the new ball. India were 258 runs for 9 with a lead of 171, Saha contributed 20 important runs and a partnership of 16 runs which helped India to take a lead of 187.

His wicketkeeping skills in the match were brilliant taking 2 excellent catches. If India are to win the third test match at Ranchi, he needs to contribute on regular basis.

7.   Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin bowling in the second test match at Bengaluru was contrasting. In the first innings he picked only 2 wickets bowling 49 overs but came back into form during the second innings. He bowled with great control taking 6 wickets for 41 which helped India to register a remarkable win.

Ravichandran Ashwin is India’s prime bowler and if the pitch at Ranchi helps the spinners, he will be dangerous bowler and trouble the Australian batsmen.

8.   Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja also bowled with great control in second test match at Bengaluru. He was bought late in bowling attack by Virat Kohli during the first innings. Jadeja bowled with great control and took 6 wickets for 63 runs which restricted Australia’s lead to 87 runs. In the second innings too he bowled with great line and length giving away just 3 runs in his 8 overs.

Ravindra Jadeja role in the third test match will be important of taking wickets and also restricting the run flow. The spin twin’s contributions in Ranchi will decide the fortune of the game. He must also contribute in the lower order.

9.   Jayant Yadav

Jayant Yadav was dropped for the second test match replaced by Karun Nair. The pitch at Ranchi is expected to help the spinners. He will be an ideal replacement despite not having a great match during the first test match at Pune.

If Jayant Yadav comes in the playing XI, then India can put more pressure on a less experienced Australian batting line up.

10.                Umesh Yadav

Umesh Yadav was brilliant with ball in the second test match. He bowled with great line and lengths not allowing the Australian batsmen to score runs with ease. On the second day, Yadav picked only 1 wicket in the first innings giving away 57 runs in 24 overs. In the second innings, Umesh Yadav picked 2 important wickets which set up a brilliant win.

Umesh Yadav has been in excellent form so far and India would hope that he can continue his superb in this all important test match.

11.                Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma also bowled brilliantly in the second test match. On the second day, the tall fast bowler from Delhi picked 2 wickets only but did not give too many runs. He made the run scoring tough for Australia on the 2^nd day.

Ishant Sharma picked Mitchell Marsh in the first innings and took the first wicket of Matt Renshaw in the second innings. Ishant Sharma will again play an important role with the new ball.