India vs. Bangladesh: Spinner Kuldeep Yadav should start in the second Test in Kanpur, according to former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar, who has pushed the Indian think tank to do so.
Sanjay Manjrekar, a former cricketer for India, has suggested that Kuldeep Yadav be included in the Indian playing XI for the forthcoming 2nd Test match in Kanpur against Bangladesh. Speaking following India’s triumph in the opening Test, Manjrekar lamented Kuldeep’s omission in Chennai and emphasized the spinner’s importance in Indian conditions.
Since making his Test debut in 2017, Kuldeep has played in 12 matches. He has amassed 53 wickets with steady performances in important series, such as a memorable showing against England earlier this year. He took 19 wickets in four games throughout that series and made significant contributions with lower-order runs. The left-arm spinner, nevertheless, was left out of the first Test in Chennai, when India went with a pace-heavy attack featuring Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Jasprit Bumrah, despite his established record.
Manjrekar questioned this choice, saying that even though the Chennai surface was predicted to favor seamers early on, India lost out on a chance by not playing Kuldeep. “I don’t think Kuldeep Yadav should be dropped that soon. India would have profited from playing him in Chennai even if he wasn’t a turner, given seamers in India only receive assistance for one or one and a half days. In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Manjrekar stated, “After that, it starts supporting spinners, and when you have a bowler like Kuldeep Yadav, you should not keep him out this easily.”
Manjrekar urged the team management to reevaluate Kuldeep’s exclusion, regardless of the pitch conditions, as India got ready for the Kanpur Test. Even though it might seem green at first, spinners usually come into action after the first few hours, which makes Kuldeep an invaluable asset when paired with the other frontline spinners, stressed the former cricket player turned analyst.
India ought to use this strategy in Kanpur. They should remember that the green top will only last for the first several hours, and Siraj and Bumrah are sufficient for that, even if it’s sunny and green above. Manjrekar continued, “You should play all three of your proven spinners.”
In Kanpur, where situations may favour India’s spin assault as the match goes on, Kuldeep’s ability to cause batters problems with his wrist spin and variations could prove to be a deciding factor. As the series finale gets closer, it would be interesting to watch if the Indian team decides to alter their approach.
India’s comprehensive victory in Chennai has put them ahead 1-0 in the two-match Test series. A few changes to the playing XI are expected for the second and final Test in Kanpur, as Manjrekar and a few others are supporting Kuldeep’s return.
