Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has strongly advocated for including left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav in India’s playing XI for the upcoming Test series against England, starting June 20. This recommendation marks a departure from traditional Indian strategies in English conditions, where teams typically favor fast bowlers over multiple spinners due to pitches that favor seam and swing.
Ashwin emphasized that selecting the best bowling attack is crucial for winning matches. In his view, Kuldeep Yadav’s wicket-taking ability makes him a guaranteed starter, regardless of pitch conditions.
“When batsmen come through, the best bowling attack will win you matches. If they don’t leave moisture on the pitch, then I think Kuldeep Yadav would be a certainty. And if there is moisture, Kuldeep should still be there,” Ashwin told RevSportz.
During India’s 2021 tour of England, the team played only one spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, while Ashwin himself was sidelined. This time, Ashwin suggests a more flexible approach, with Jadeja likely batting higher up the order and all-rounders like Nitish Reddy or Shardul Thakur potentially creating more squad depth.
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Despite limited opportunities, Kuldeep Yadav has been a consistent wicket-taker in Tests. Notably, the only instance he went wicketless was at Lord’s in 2018, also against England.
Ashwin is optimistic about India’s bowling unit in English conditions. He highlighted Jasprit Bumrah as the spearhead, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who offers control and can contribute with the bat. Mohammed Siraj is also praised as a “warhorse” capable of handling any challenge.
As preparations are done with intra-squad matches, key decisions loom, including the captaincy debut of Shubman Gill. The team management will weigh their bowling options carefully, with Kuldeep Yadav emerging as a potential key figure in India’s quest for victory in England.