After losing the first Test in Hyderabad, India bounced back strongly in Vizag to level the series 1-1. That they did so despite missing several key first-choice players as a testament to their bench strength.

As they head into the third Test of the series, the issues with injuries and unavailability of players persist, meaning India will have to brainstorm to find their ideal XI once again.

Virat Kohli has made himself unavailable for the remainder of the series, uncapped fast bowler Akash Deep has replaced Avesh Khan, while Ravindra Jadeja and KL Rahul are both in the squad, subject to fitness clearance. Keeping all that in mind, here’s a predicted XI for India for the third Test.

Top order

Following Shubman Gill’s century in the second innings of the Vizag Test, India’s No.3 conundrum seems to have solved itself for now. While Rohit Sharma‘s lack of big scores might be a matter of slight concern, he has never not looked good in the series and it should only be a matter of time before he turns up. Yashasvi Jaiswal, on the other hand, has been the most impressive Indian batter in this series.

Middle order

This is where India’s headaches lie. None of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Ravindra Jadeja – India’s 4, 5, and 6 in home Tests – played the last game. While Kohli won’t be available for the remainder of the series, KL Rahul is all but certain to return to the playing XI. Jadeja, on the other hand, still looks doubtful.

With Shreyas Iyer dropped from the squad, Rahul will come straight back in to replace him in the XI. Rajat Patidar, who was given a Test debut in the last match should in all probability hold on to his spot. Axar Patel occupied Jadeja’s spot in the Vizag Test at No.6 and there’s no reason why he shouldn’t continue doing the same in Rajkot.

2021: 202 runs @ 50.50
2022: 422 runs @ 60.28
2023: 79 runs @ 13.16
2024: 108 runs @ 21.60

Shreyas Iyer has been unable to make substantial scores for India in Test cricket over the past two years.#ShreyasIyer #India #INDvsENG #Cricket #Tests pic.twitter.com/JkPhdk02lM

— Wisden India (@WisdenIndia) February 11, 2024

In case Rahul doesn’t get cleared to play in Rajkot, Sarfaraz Khan should be getting his much awaited Test debut. There’s also the outside chance of him making the XI in place of Patidar, but that seems highly unlikely.

Wicketkeeper

KS Bharat has been good behind the stumps in the first two Tests of the series, but not as good in front of them. From four innings, he has managed 92 runs at an average of 23, three more than his Test career average.

There have been some reports suggesting that Dhruv Jurel, the other wicketkeeper in the squad, might get a nod ahead of Bharat for the Rajkot Test. The 23-year old right-handed wicketkeeper-bat has played only 15 first-class games and averages 46.47 in the format with one century to his name.

Spinners

Ravichandran Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav made up India’s spin-attack along with Axar in the second Test in the absence of Jadeja. While India also have Washington Sundar and Saurabh Kumar in the squad, it looks improbable that either of them would get a chance in the XI in Rajkot.

Seamers

Jasprit Bumrah has lit up the series with his mastery, having already taken 15 wickets from the first two Tests. While there have been talks of resting him for the third Test, the extended break after the second game should ensure that he is fresh enough to play in Rajkot.

Mukesh Kumar, the second seamer India opted for in Vizag, had a forgettable outing, and might be replaced by Mohammed Siraj.

There’s also an outside possibility of India going in with just one seamer if Jadeja is fit and available. In that scenario, Jadeja might replace Mukesh and slot in at No.6 with Axar going back down to No.8.

Predicted XI

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Rajat Patidar, Axar Patel, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj