Third spinner's identity unknown as Rohit Sharma keeps cards close to chest

The air crackles with anticipation as India and England gear up for the first Test of their much-hyped five-match series tomorrow. The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad will witness the clash of titans, with India, the formidable home team unbeaten in a decade, facing off against a rejuvenated England under the dynamic duo of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

England's "Bazball" approach, a brand of aggressive Test cricket, has injected excitement into the format, promising a thrilling spectacle. However, India, boasting an impregnable home record and a potent lineup, won't relinquish their crown easily. This fiery encounter promises a battle of contrasting styles, where England's attacking spirit will be tested against India's unwavering solidity.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma faced the media today who were desperate to know who would occupy the third spinner slot - Axar Patel or Kuldeep Yadav? Rohit acknowledged that the selection had caused a headache for the managemen pressure but remained tight-lipped. He confirmed that a decison had been made but decided against revealing it on the eve of the game as he didn't want to concede a free peek into the team's plans.

I'm not going to say who it is - Rohit Sharma 

"It was a bit of a headache for us to decide who it was going to be. I'm not going to say who it is but it was a challenge for us to make that decision," he said.

While conceding the selection headache, Rohit acknowledged the distinct strengths of both spinners. He lauded Kuldeep as an "X-factor" for his deceptive pace and repertoire of variations, capable of unlocking unexpected turn. Axar, on the other hand, was commended for his dual threat as an all-rounder, bolstering the batting lower down the order. 

"Kuldeep gives you a certain X-factor with his bowling. You've seen how well he's been bowling of late. Especially the wicket if it has bounce, or if it doesn't have bounce, Kuldeep becomes a factor in those types of conditions as well because he has got superb variations. Axar with his all-round ability, giving us that batting depth, the consistency that he has shown playing in these conditions in Test cricket also is an important factor for us," he added.

This subtle appreciation for both sides of the coin further heightened the suspense regarding the final decision, leaving everyone hanging for tomorrow's big reveal.