The ‘Virat Kohli’ factor was exposed, according to Rohit Sharma, which is why he chose Axar over Kuldeep in the first test between India and England

In Hyderabad, India’s first Test match of the series against England marked the team’s return to Test cricket. On the eve of the test on Wednesday, Ben Stokes, the captain of the visiting team, decided to bat first. Many were astonished by England’s choice of players, since they only chose one pacer, Mark Wood, and three spinners, plus part-timer Joe Root, in the roster. Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Ravindra Jadeja spearheaded the spin assault as Indian captain Rohit Sharma verified the Indian XI at the toss.

When Ashwin and Jadeja were announced as the first Test’s openers, there was a great deal of conjecture on who would start as the third spinner—Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav. Because of Axar’s stronger batting record, people tended to favor his selection, and it seems the management of the club felt the same way.

In Hyderabad, Axar—who is well-known for his strong performances in home Test matches—was selected over left-armer Kuldeep, but Rohit Sharma stressed that the team’s choice wasn’t made lightly.

“We gave leaving Kuldeep Yadav out a lot of consideration; it was a difficult decision. Axar hits exceptionally well in these situations and has performed well anytime he has played. He also provides depth to his hitting. The previous time we played against Australia, he received some pretty impressive scores. That’s probably why we chose Axar,” Rohit said during the toss.

Anil Kumble, a former bowling great and spinner for India, also cited Virat Kohli’s absence as a factor in Axar’s selection over Kuldeep, saying it may have increased Rohit’s concerns about the side’s batting depth in the first Test. Citing personal reasons, Kohli withdrew from the first two Test matches of the series.

“Kuldeep Yadav is better suited for this surface; it’s not a great turner.” However, it will undoubtedly spiral. Because of his performance versus England, Axar also provides you with some batting depth. Wicket by wicket, he bowls. “One can go straight, one can turn,” Kumble said on JioCinema.

“Yes, Rohit Sharma was under some strain, especially with Virat missing. This is the first match in 12 years where the starting XI does not include (Cheteshwar) Pujara, (Ajinkya) Rahane, or Kohli. It undoubtedly gave Rohit some strain.