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It’s now evident that Kuldeep Yadav is all set to feature in the second Test of the five-match series against England. While he may not replace Ravindra Jadeja, he is likely to come in for Shardul Thakur, who bowled just six overs during England’s 100-over stay at the crease. Ideally, Kuldeep should have been part of the XI in this Test itself, but reputation of the pitch at Leeds likely prevented the inclusion of a second spinner.
It’s increasingly clear that Jasprit Bumrah can’t take all 20 wickets on his own without support from another genuine wicket-taking bowler. Call it a harsh summer or the lack of overcast conditions, but none of the other Indian pacers — barring Bumrah — have looked capable of providing the breakthroughs needed to win a Test match.
There’s been a noticeable lack of pace and swing, something that’s uncharacteristic yet not unheard of in UK conditions. Even England’s bowlers have struggled to make early inroads into the Indian batting line-up. The host bowlers practically offered a boundary ball in every over that they bowled.
And why would the Indian team management overlook a bowler like Kuldeep Yadav — someone so highly regarded that even Kane Williamson once offered him a spot in the New Zealand side?
Former India coach Anil Kumble had rightly pointed out back in 2017 that if India were to play just one spinner in overseas Tests, it should be Kuldeep. Hopefully, the current team management takes note and backs Kuldeep as the ideal spin partner to support Bumrah.
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