Following India’s impressive 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test, former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has voiced his opinion regarding spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s exclusion from the playing XI. Despite Kuldeep’s recent five-wicket haul in his last Test against England, many were surprised by his absence in Chennai.
Kuldeep’s Exclusion Raises Eyebrows
Kuldeep Yadav last played Test cricket for India in March 2023, where he delivered an outstanding performance against England at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. His exclusion from the first Test against Bangladesh has raised questions among fans and experts alike. Manjrekar believes that India should have included Kuldeep in the squad, especially given the pitch conditions that typically favour spinners after the initial days of play.
Manjrekar stated on ESPNCricinfo, “I feel Kuldeep Yadav should not be dropped so easily. I believe that even if it was not a turner, India would have benefitted from playing Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai because the seamers will get help for just one or one-and-a-half days on an Indian pitch.”
The Case for Kuldeep in Kanpur
As India prepares for the second Test at Green Park Stadium in Kanpur, which starts on September 27, Manjrekar suggests including Kuldeep could be beneficial. He argued, “Even if it’s a green top and the sun is out, they should keep in mind that the green top will be just for the first few hours, and Siraj and Bumrah are enough for that. When you have three proven spinners, you should play all of them.”
Kuldeep has a notable record in Tests, having taken 53 wickets in just 12 matches, and his ability to take wickets consistently makes him a valuable asset to the team.
India’s Spin Strategy
India’s bowling strategy has been heavily reliant on pace in recent matches, with Rohit Sharma opting for a combination of seamers and only two spinners. This approach has led to successful outcomes; however, as Manjrekar points out, utilizing a full-strength spin attack could provide an edge, especially on pitches that begin to assist spinners after a few days.
In his only Test against Bangladesh, Kuldeep showcased his skills by taking a five-wicket haul in the first innings and finishing with a total of eight wickets. His previous success against Bangladesh adds weight to Manjrekar’s argument for his inclusion.
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