Former Indian cricketer Navjot Singh Sidhu is adamant that India should consider playing Kuldeep Yadav in the 5th and final Test match against England. The Test is scheduled to begin on Thursday at The Oval in London. There has been a lot of debate around India not playing Kuldeep Yadav to increase their depth.
However, Navjot Singh Sidhu pointed out that the wrist-spinner has more wickets than Shardul Thakur and Washington Sundar. Sidhu is also of the opinion that Kuldeep is decent with the bat and not a walking wicket as some may feel.
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s views on Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the side
Speaking on his You Tube channel Sidhu said, “If you talk about Shardul, or even Washington, Kuldeep has more wickets than them. I think Kuldeep should play at number eight. At the Oval, on day three and four, when the surface is scruffed up, a wrist-spinner will be key. If you want to level the series, your team needs to be solid. And Kuldeep is no mug with the bat. During a Test in Ranchi, Kuldeep had a partnership with Dhruv Jurel. People like Kuldeep can even turn a ball on a glass top. He can win you games anywhere. It is such a psychological advantage. How can you lose it?”
Going further, Sidhu urged the need to play Kuldeep Yadav. Kuldeep has been warming the bench throughout the series. Sidhu stated that Kuldeep is a wicket-taker and India must not compromise for the sake of increasing the batting.
He elaborated, ” It is very important for Kuldeep to get into the side. He made his debut in 2017, picked up 9 wickets. He is a wrist-spinner. Did you ever think of Australia without Shane Warne? Or Gavaskar would get on without L Sivaramakrishnan? Whenever England played he would directly play. This guy took 19 wickets in the last series when England came here. There should not be compromise now to increase the batting.”
India are trailing in the series 1-2 heading into the fifth and final Test match. Therefore, the visitors are in a must-win situation at the Oval and must win to level the series and avoid a series defeat.
Navjot Singh Sidhu’s views on India’s bowling attack for the Oval TestÂ
Navjot Singh Sidhu also picked his three pacers for the fifth Test against England. As we know, Jasprit Bumrah is unlikely to play the game to manage his workload. Rishabh Pant fractured his toe in the previous game and has been ruled out of the series. Sidhu reckons Bumrah must draw inspiration from Pant and play this Test match.
However, should he not play, Arshdeep Singh must get a go according to Sidhu. He picked Arshdeep, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav as the four genuine bowlers in the XI.
He said, “I feel the team will be without Bumrah, Pant, Shardul, Anshul Kamboj. No hard feelings. Although I feel Bumrah must play. He must also take inspiration from Pant, who played with a fractured toe. I accept we have to preserve him. But in the last game, he bowled in just one innings. The series is on the line. Bumrah should play. But if not, I feel Arshdeep Singh, Akash Deep, and Mohammed Siraj should play with Kuldeep.”
Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav could be the X-factors for India as they are both left-arm bowlers. They will add variety to the bowling attack for India. Historically, we have seen England have particularly struggled against wrist-spin and the visitors must look to make the most of it.
What Lies Ahead.Â
The stage is set for the final England India Test to commence at the Oval on July 31st. India in a must-win scenario to avoid a series loss. England, without Ben Stokes looking to win another series at home. All eyes will be at the toss and the playing XI for India. What is the bowling combination they go with? That is the big question and we shall find the answers soon.
Also Read:Â ENG vs IND: Can Kuldeep Yadav Find A Place In Playing 11?