In a surprising turn of events, India, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, unveiled a significantly altered playing XI for the third Test against England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Thursday (February 15). The captain’s decision to bat first and the inclusion of two debutants, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, added intrigue to the match. However, the most eyebrow-raising move was the exclusion of seasoned all-rounder Axar Patel, a player known for his consistent performances with both bat and ba??ll, often rescuing the Indian batting lineup.

Axar Patel’s omission from India’s playing XI against England

Despite being the third-highest run-scorer for India in the ongoing series, Axar found himself omitted from the playing XI. This decision, considered bold by both team management and Rohit, underlines the team’s shifting strategy. Patel’s exclusion is particularly noteworthy given his impressive series performance, amassing 133 runs at an average of 33.25 and demonstrating proficiency against English spinners.

Strategic dilemma: Axar vs Mohammed Siraj

The strategic dilemma faced by Team India centered around choosing between Axar and pace bowler Mohammed Siraj. With the return of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav‘s commendable showing in the second Test, the team management found themselves in a two-way race to finalize the playing XI. Opting for Siraj as the second seamer, the management emphasized reinforcing the pace-bowling department, leaving Axar on the sidelines..

Also WAT??CH: Emotions pour over for Sarfaraz Khan’s father as his son earns maiden Test Cap against England

Axar’s all-round evolution: Stats and sentiments

Axar’s exclusion comes despite his noteworthy evolution as a batter over the past year. While his bowling performance experienced a dip in the series, securing only five wickets at an average of 41.20, Patel’s utility as a batsman in challenging situations adds a unique dimension to his overall value in the team.

Social media outcry: Fan reactions and team balance debate

The exclusion of Axar prompted strong reactions on social media, with fans expressing outrage over the decision. The ensuing debate revolves a??round finding the right balance between batting and bowling prowess in the team composition, highlighting the complexities faced by the team management in the selection process.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

//twitter.com/SharanM333902??/status/1757993869143138615

I??ndia should never have dropped Axar Patel?? with that batting lineup.

— Sarah Waris (@swaris16) February 15, 2024

Indian Batters refusing to score any r??uns in protest agai??nst the decision of coach and captain to drop comrade Axar Patel.

Love the solidarity on display.#INDvENG #CricketTwitter

— Akash (@Akashkumarjha14) February 15, 2024

I so wish Shreyas had scored 100 instead of him in the last test. If you can't score runs in flat wickets what's the point. Now with such batting line up I miss Axar even more

— Archer (@poserarcher) February 15, 2024

At 33/3 on what was reported to be a f?lat surface, India have lost quite a bit of momentum early on. We might miss the extra batting option?? in Axar, given that we have preferred Kuldeep over him

Axar averages 33 with the bat over Kuldeep's 8

So far in the series, when it comes�pic.twitter.com/zg96f1Xk1v

— Kartik Kannan (@kartik_kannan) February 15, 2024

Shouldn't have dropped Axar

— Krishna Kumar (@KrishnaKRM) February 15, 2024

Axar Patel should play as a batsman in Test team..Also he gives ??u extra bowling option..Ye Patidar se to 100 times acha batsman h

— Ujjwal (@iujjwal_x) February 15, 2024

When you're playing India with current form Play axar he just far better than most of the batsman

— Ram (@ram10_45) February 15, 2024

That's why I wanted to play Axar in place of Kuldeep, don't trust this fraud batting lineup.#INDvENG

— Tanishq (@boom_raaah) February 15, 2024

No way we dropped Axar despite having such an inexperienced batting lineup ??man 🤡

— Sahil (@SahilManUtd) February 15, 2024

Without axar Patel with this middle order don't think we will cross 400

— Ram (@ram10_45) February 15, 2024

Also READ: I?ND vs ENG: Netizens overjoyed after Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel make debuts for India against England in Rajkot Test

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The third Test between India and England is scheduled to commence on Thursday (Feb??ruary 15), with the series evenly poised at 1-1. The Saurashtra Cricket As??sociation Stadium in Rajkot will be the venue for this crucial encounter.

In the initial Test, India faced defeat, but they made a strong comeback in the second Test held in Visakhapatnam, securing a comprehensive victory. The series is now finely balanced, and both teams will be looking to gain an advantage in the upcoming match. India will aim to sustain their winning momentum, while Ben Stokes‘ England side will seek to turn the tide in their favour.

England tour of India 2024, 3rd Test:

• Date and Time: February 15; 04:00 am GMT | 09:30 am IST
• Venue: Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot.

Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium Pitch Report

The pitch at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium is expected to be batting-friendly, offering good bounce and carry in the early stages of the game. However, it may slow down later, assisting spi??nners from both sides. Pacers can find help with the new ball. This indicates that the pitch is likely to provide a bala??nced contest between bat and ball, with spinners potentially coming into play as the games progresses. Bowlers, especially pacers, could enjoy favorable conditions early on with the new ball. Teams may need to strategize accordingly based on the pitch characteristics.

IND vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Picks:

• Wicketkeepers: Jonny Bairstow
• Batters: Rohit Sharma, Ben Stokes, Ben Duckett Ollie Pope, Yashasvi Jaiswal
• All-rounders: Ravichandran Ashwin, Joe Root, Axar Patel
• Bowlers: Jasprit Bumrah, Tom Hartley

IND vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:

• Choice 1: Rohit Sharma (c), Ravichandran Ashwin (vc)
• Choice 2: Ollie Pope (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc)

Also READ: IND vs ENG 2024: ?India’s best playing XI for the last three Tests ??against England

IND vs ENG Dream11 Prediction Backups:

Shubman Gi??ll, Kuldeep Yadav, Ben Foakes, James Anderson

IND vs ENG Dream11 Team for today’s match (Feb 15, 4:00 am GMT):

Squads:

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul*, Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel (wk), KS Bharat (wk), R?avin Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja*, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Akash Deep

England: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foa?kes (wk), Rehan Ahmed, Tom Hartley, James Anderson, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson, Daniel Lawrence, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir

Also READ: IND vs ENG: England reveals their playing XI for Rajkot Test with a maj?or chan??ge in the bowling department

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In a surprising turn of events, a notable incident has unfolded within the Saurashtra’s U23 squad, adding an unexpected twist to their recent success. Following a commendable victory over Chandigarh in their most recent clash of the ongoing CK Nayudu Trophy 2024, five members of the Sa??urashtra squad found themselves embroiled in controversy as they were apprehended carrying liquor? and beers.

This peculiar development has quickly captured significant attention, casting a shadow over the team’s recent triumph. The incident raises questions about the players’ conduct and professionalism, prompting discussions within India‘s cricketing community about the need to maintain discipline and focus, especially in the wake of competitive tournaments.

What is the exact scenario?

Following the conclusion of their match at Chandigarh, the Saurashtra team members were on their way back home when a routine customs inspection at Indigo’s cargo division brought to light a concerning situation. It was discovered that five players, namely Prasham Rajdev, Samarth Gajjar, Rakshit Mehta, Parshwaraj Rana and Smitraj Jhalani have concealed a total of 2??7 bottles of liquor and two cases of beer within their c??ricket kits.

The customs authorities promptly alerted the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) regardi??ng the involvement of these players in possessing and carrying alcoholic beverages.

Also READ – ‘I’ve been luckyâ€? CSK pacer Deepak Chahar opens up on his relationship wit??h MS Dhoni

Saurashtra Cricket Association’s stance on the incident

The SCA has officially acknowledged the unfolding situation and issued a formal statement confirming the incid?ent. The association expressed its strong disapproval of the occurrence,? deeming it intolerable.

Additionally, the cric??keting body asserted its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation into the matter and assured that appropriate discipli??nary measures would be taken against the implicated players once the inquiry gets completed.

It is worth noting that the Third Test of England’s ongoing red-ball tour to India is slated to take place at the Saurashtra Cricket Assoc?iation Stadium from Feb??ruary 15.

“There has been an alleged incident at Chandigarh that was brought to notice of Saurashtra Cricket Association. The alleged incident is unfortunate and intolerable. Ethics/Disciplinary Committee & Apex Council of Saurashtra Cricket Association to make in-depth examine of the incident and shall take proper disciplinary action,” SCA said in their statement.

Also READ – IND vs ENG: Ravindra Jadeja, KL Rahul ruled out of the ?second Test; replacements ?announced

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Following the inadvertent error, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is prepared to rectify the situation after Chetan Sakariya‘s name emerged among seven players flagged for a potentially suspect bowling action. The cricket board is committed to addressing this matter appropriately and ensuring fair play and adherence to regulations in the upcoming course of action.

Wrong Chetan named in the suspect list

“It was a sort of miscommunication and error, and Chetan has never been called, and he is not on that list. I understand that the name of a Karnataka bowler should have been there, and the IPL is addressing the issue. The franchises are also being duly informed,” Jaydev Shah, the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Pre??sident,? was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.

Also READ: Deepak Chahar, Mohammed Shami out of South Afr??ica tour; BCCI unveils the revised ??ODI and Test squads

Sakaria who gained prominence during his stint with Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2021, was released by his last franchise, Delhi Capitals (DC), ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. He is 27th in the list of player’s auction list with a base price of INR 50 lakhs.

Chetan Sakariya’s domestic season

This year, Sakariya was absent throughout the Vijay Hazare Trophy and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy seasons. His last appearance was during the IPL 2023, where he played just two matches – picking up three wickets with best figures of 2/53.

Also READ: IPL 2024 – Suryakumar Yadav, Irfan Pathan & others react as Hardik Pandya takes charge of MI from Rohit Sharma

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