Certainly, the upcoming Test series between India and Bangladesh has put the BCCI Selection Committee in a very difficult position, more so while choosing the right pace attack combination for the home side. With Jasprit Bumrah being granted an extended break and Mohammed Shami ruled out of contention due to an ankle injury, the committee has to somehow get together a strong pace attack without its two most seasoned bowlers.
A Golden Opportunity for Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep
With Bumrah and Shami out of the scene, all eyes are on Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. With this, the chance of a lifetime is coming across both pacers at home. Among these, Mukesh Kumar, who had been doing well in overseas and domestic conditions too, has emerged as one of the very strong contenders. Meanwhile, Akash Deep, who made his Test debut earlier this year against England, was keen to prove his mettle.
Who Will be Selected?
With either Bumrah or Shami missing, all responsibility lies with Mohammed Siraj to spearhead the Indian attack. Over the last couple of years, Siraj has been one of the consistent performers and most definitely will be the leader of the attack. The question, though, is: Who is going to partner him? Arshdeep Singh is one who obviously comes to mind, especially with his form in white-ball cricket. Inclusion of a left-arm pacer in the red-ball setup like Arshdeep could be of strategic benefit to India, just for the fact that he would bring in that variety.
Other Left-Arm Option is Khaleel Ahmed, but the real fight seems to be between Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep. What really works in favour of Mukesh is the ability to exploit slow pitch conditions in India, aided by his hard-hitting-the-deck style. The unpredictability of Indian pitches, because of their uneven pace and bounce, could play into Mukesh's hands and even unsettle the Bangladeshi batsmen.
The Importance of Experience
Experience will play a vital role in the final selection process. Out of these pacers in contention, only Mohammed Siraj has sufficient national team exposure. But on the flip side, this inexperience could very well work in Mukesh Kumar's favor. His experience in domestic cricket and the previous exposure to Test cricket may give him the nod over Akash Deep, who is still a bit inexperienced at the national level.
Duleep Trophy: The Decider?
It could prove to be a final audition of sorts for both Mukesh Kumar and Akash Deep, and a fine showing in the upcoming Duleep Trophy might prove to be the final deciding factor between who gets to make the cut into the Test series. As things heat up, so will the expectations of both pacers looking to impress upon the selectors to bag a place in the Indian squad.
