Shoaib Bashir; England's wildcard player raises concerns for India and Kohli

England's announcement of their 16-man squad for the upcoming five-match Test series against India has sparked conversations, especially with the inclusion of 20-year-old offspinner Shoaib Bashir, mentored by the late Shane Warne.

India, known for their historical struggles against debutant spinners on home soil, now faces an additional challenge with Bashir's unexpected call-up. England's decision to opt for the inexperienced Bashir over seasoned spinner Liam Dawson has raised eyebrows, prompting concerns for India and captain Virat Kohli.

Shoaib Bashir, a Somerset offspinner, made his professional debut in June 2023 and has limited experience in domestic cricket, having played only six first-class matches with an average of 67.00. Despite this, his standout performance during the England Lion's training camp in the UAE, where he claimed 6 for 42 in a three-day match against Afghanistan, caught the attention of selectors.

England's director of cricket, Rob Key, defended the choice, emphasizing Bashir's natural attributes and potential for future greatness.

Kohli, who has faced challenges against debutant spinners in the past, now confronts the prospect of encountering a raw but potentially impactful talent in Bashir during the upcoming Test series.