India set to trash five-bowler theory

India are all set to bid the five-bowler theory a goodbye for the Kanpur Test.

With the pitch at the Green Park expected to break faster than expected, the Indian think-tank is seriously considering playing Yuvraj Singh in place of all-rounder Irfan Pathan. Yuvraj is expected to be brought in to bolster a batting which came apart at Ahmedabad in the second Test.

Apart from Yuvraj, fast bowler Ishant Sharma is all expected to make the XI in place of RP Singh (excluded from Kanpur Test).

As of now these are the two main changes in the playing XI from the last Test. Injured captain Anil Kumble is still a doubtful starter and may not feature when the playing XI is drawn up. Kumble suffers from a groin injury and has also picked up a back problem. If Kumble does not play, MS Dhoni will lead India for the first time in Test cricket.

Teenaged leggie Piyush Chawla is expected to make the cut if Kumble misses out. Kumble is pushing himself hard to make the XI but it is increasingly looking unlikely. The selectors are keen that Kumble not risk himself by playing if he is half-fit. They are hoping that this would send a message across to all concerned.

What is keeping Kumble going is the fact that the track appears half-baked and is just like what the Indian Test captain has thrived on.