“Yes, we did see it (the pitch), but it’s still too early to really know what the pitch is going to do. We need to come here on the day of the match to know how it’s really going to play,” Rahul told mediapersons in Nagpur on Tuesday.
“We can only look at it and assume it’s going to play a certain way, but you never know with pitches. Yes, there is the temptation to play three spinners because we’re playing in India. We’ll take that call on the the day of the game or the day before the game,” the stylish right-hander added.
There is a lot of debate going on as to who will open the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma and who will bat in the middle-order. Will it be Rahul or in-form Shubman Gill? But the second in command didn’t have any clear answer about it.
When asked if Shubman Gill Will bat in the middle-order, Rahul said: “We still haven’t decided on the final XI. It’s going to be a tough decision to make. There are guys who have performed exceedingly well and there are a few spots open so there are a few discussions going on and the players are being spoken to.”
With skipper Rohit Sharma back in the mix, Rahul was asked if he would like to bat in the middle-order where he had started his Test career back in 2014.
“If it arises, then I’m more than happy to do that. Whatever little cricket I’ve played for the country, I’ve always done that.
“Whatever the team has asked me to do, I try and prepare that way and try and do my best for the team, and if that is something that the team wants me to do here, I’ll be more than happy to do it ,” Rahul mentioned, despite the fact that it’s not going that he would come down the order.
So does he to find it distinctive that there is not any easy selection for choosing the taking part in 11 this time round?
“I do not know if it has took place sooner than however, sure, this time it’s going to be tricky. Tough choice to choose an 11. All the 15 guys within the facet are prime quality, and that’s the reason why they are right here. Any of them on any given day generally is a tournament winner…
“The playing XI, we always try and make a decision based on what’s best for the team and for that particular Test match. We have done that over the last two years,” that was once his reaction to a PTI question.
Rahul did not disregard to remind the media that he’s nonetheless lovely bitter in regards to the backlash that he were given for losing Kuldeep Yadav for the second one Test in opposition to Bangladesh after his match-winning efficiency within the sequence opener.
“There were questions on why a undeniable participant has performed… even in Bangladesh, I take into accout, Kuldeep (Yadav) were given the person of the tournament and didn’t play the following Test.
“Obviously, the one reason why, or the one considering, in the back of such choices is which participant suits the function for that individual situation.
“You mentioned, I’ve performed for 10 years, however even supposing I’ve performed for 20-30 years, or even after retirement, there may be no person who can take a look at the pitch and say appropriately that ‘that is how it’s going to play’ ‘.
“It’s really based on some experience and a little bit of history of that place. Even in this series, that’s something we will continue to do,” he mentioned.
Whether it’s Suryakumar Yadav or Kuldeep Yadav, whoever will get dropped must take that on chin.
“Everyone may be very transparent about why they are taking part in, why they don’t seem to be taking part in, their roles within the workforce. That’s a excellent factor, and the ambience within the workforce is excellent.”
‘Reverse swing will play a huge role’
Rahul feels with the quality in the Australian bowling line-up, reverse swing in the dry and abrasive conditions can play a huge role.
“It always plays a huge role in India. We have seen that historically as well. Any team that has quality fast bowlers who can exploit reverse swing will be dangerous on pitches like these. That’s something that we have tried to prepare for over the last week, 10 days.
“We all know the Australian workforce has at all times produced top of the range rapid bowlers, and we all know the risk they may be able to pose. That’s the wonderful thing about taking part in in opposition to Australia, that is what excites you and one thing we’re kicked about.” With David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Alex Carey and Matt Renshaw In the combo, the southpaw heavy Aussie line-up would possibly simply have given a bonus to the house workforce.
“I believe it’s going to assist our bowlers a little bit bit. If there are two left-handers in combination, and left-handers are coming in to bat, back-to-back, that may most effective imply that the bowlers get time to settle into a undeniable line and period.
“That is also an overly distinctive factor. I don’t believe every other workforce has that many left-handers…”
(With inputs from PTI)