New Delhi: Kuldeep Yadav is a match that India is unable to miss in the upcoming Test Series in England, with the wristband spinners supposed to be selected before hitting the all-around player, former selector and coach.
They believe that Ravindra Jadeja is an automatic choice for the five-test series, and because of his excellent batting skills, Kuldeep also brings specific skills to the table.
The National Selection Council will announce the “A” roster for the India and England Tours, most likely after the IPL playoff teams are confirmed.
As usual, the red ball experts on the other six IPL teams will travel on previous tours in England immediately after the IPL is over.
In Australia, Washington Sundar was initially the spinner of choice, as both Jadeja and Ravicandran Ashwin were substituted after a poor performance against New Zealand.
Ashwin eventually retired because he didn't want to go through the dilemma of having to prove himself again in overseas conditions, and Washington got only three wickets in three tests.
The selection former chairman MSK Prasad, his selection committee colleague Devang Gandhi and former India opener, noted that coach WV Raman both believed Kuldeep had the “X” factor that India needs in England.
“Kuldeep Yadav is an offensive choice and he needs to be in that Indian squad in England. So far he has taken 12 tests and if I look at his strike rate, it is a wicket (every six).
Prasad, who was chair of Kuldeep's first test cap, also thought he might be a better option than Washington, although Tamil Nadu players were decent, especially Willow on two test trips in Australia.
“While you can still wash it in the squad, I personally feel like you need a proper championship spinner like Kurdeep,” Prasad said.
His assessment is his blunt, and Kurdeep is the only Indian spinner to play the red ball and can be different from his bowling instead of hitting the all-around ball in overseas situations.
“In his days he has the ability to win your game single-handedly, and other spinners in the current setup may not be offered continuously. England has some fields that aid in spinning and become a wristband with a mysterious element on the bowling ball, and Kurdeep can be very valuable in those situations.”
Prasad cites three places that tracks can really help the spinner if they are hot and humid.
“In England, the weather does play a role. But August in London can be hot, so Kurdip may be a minority in the oval. If it gets soaked, he can also make changes in Birmingham and Old Trafford.”
His electoral committee colleague Gandhi believes that unlike Australia, there won’t be a lot of bounce on the English repertoire, so Kuldeep’s bowling style can satisfy India’s plans.
Gandhi said: “Look, there is no doubt that the stadiums in England have been a little tired lately due to the large amount of cricket playing on these tracks.”
“If Kuldeep, the English bowler wants to sweep, but that will give him a chance to get a wicket. Also, if you ask me, I’m not quite sure Nitish Reddy is the fifth bowler in certain conditions.
“Wrist spinners have a certain quality, and the biggest aspect is that they can stand out from the equation,” Gandhi said.
