India has a few tough decisions to make for the fifth and final Test against England in Dharamsala. That is, whether to go with three seam bowlers instead of three spinners, which have proven to be effective. The No.4 batter is also a topic of discussion. KL Rahul’s inability to reach full fitness even for this game may present another opportunity for the struggling Rajat Patidar, who has found unusual ways to go out in his first series, accumulating only 63 runs in six innings at number four. India has Devdutt Padikkal in their ranks, but based on India skipper Rohit Sharma’s statements, Patidar is likely to receive another chance.

Rajat Patidar has very good abilities. I like him. I see him as a talented player. We need to give him some more time, Rohit said in the press conference. Jasprit Bumrah will return to bolster the attack, with Mohammed Siraj as the second pacer. Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, who has played only 11 Tests since his successful debut here in 2017, will share the spin chores. Unless the team management decides to consider the weather conditions in Dharamsala.

There is a good chance to play extra seamer. We have not yet completely decided on it but there is a good chance, Rohit. In case India decides to go with Akash Deep as their third seamer then Kuldeep is the most likely spinner to sit out.

India’s predicted playing XI is as follows Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rajat Patidar/Devudutt Padikkal, Ravindra Jadeja, Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav/Akash Deep, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.