As India prepares for the fifth and final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at The Oval, there are ongoing discussions regarding the team’s bowling combination, particularly the absence of Kuldeep Yadav throughout the series. With the series currently favouring England 2-1, and India aiming to level the score after their spirited draw in Manchester, Kuldeep’s name has resurfaced in conversations.
Former India cricketer Parthiv Patel commented on the potential inclusion of Kuldeep, stating,"India should approach selection the way they’ve approached their batting — with confidence. If Bumrah isn’t available, India will need another attacking bowler. In this current bowling mix, Kuldeep Yadav offers that attacking edge as a wicket-taker. So from that perspective, I believe India should find a way to include him."
India has struggled to accommodate their premier left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep in the final XI during the last four Tests. With Jasprit Bumrah, the world’s best and India’s pace spearhead, having played his quota of three Tests, his availability for the final fixture remains uncertain.
India’s bowlers have found it challenging to pick up 20 wickets this series, particularly on flat tracks that haven’t provided much assistance. Kuldeep, with his wrist-spin variety and partnership-breaking ability, could be the X-factor India needs in London. Parthiv added, “Whether it happens or not, I’m not sure — but my opinion is that Kuldeep Yadav should definitely play."
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Kuldeep hasn’t featured in any of the four Tests so far, a decision that has been perplexing given the lack of breakthroughs at crucial moments. As the Men in Blue aim for a 2-2 series result at The Oval, the team management’s selection decisions will be under scrutiny.
India’s squad for the fifth Test: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd. Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj, Arshdeep Singh, N Jagadeesan (WK). (ANI)
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