R Ashwin: Kuldeep Yadav is part of Team India for the Test series against England.
R Ashwin is confident that India’s bowling can achieve success in every situation in the upcoming Test series in England. Despite this, he has strongly advocated the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI throughout the series.
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R Ashwin: Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the Indian team to give left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav a consistent chance in the Test series against England starting June 20. This suggestion is a bit surprising, as Indian teams traditionally rarely play more than one specialist spinner on English pitches. Usually, only one spinner is selected along with three to four fast bowlers due to pitches that take advantage of seam and swing. But Ashwin believes that India needs its strongest bowling attack to win the match, and Kuldeep is a sure choice for him.
What did R Ashwin say about Kuldeep Yadav?
R Ashwin: In an interview to RevSportz, Ashwin said, “When the batsmen play well, the best bowling attack wins you the match. If there is no moisture on the pitch, I think Kuldeep Yadav should definitely be played. And even if there is moisture on the pitch, Kuldeep should still be in the team.”
On the tour of England in 2021, India played only one spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, while an experienced bowler like Ashwin had to sit out. This time, however, the team combination may show some flexibility. With Jadeja playing higher up the batting order and the presence of all-rounders like Nitish Reddy or Shardul Thakur, there could be a place for Kuldeep. Kuldeep has taken wickets consistently despite limited opportunities in Tests. Surprisingly, his only Test in which he could not take a wicket was against England at Lord’s in 2018.
Ashwin expressed great enthusiasm about India’s current bowling unit and their prospects in English conditions. He believes that this bowling lineup can succeed anywhere. He said, “Jasprit Bumrah should be No. 1, along with Ravindra Jadeja, who has control in bowling and can also bat in the top-5 or 6. This bowling attack can destroy any batting lineup in any situation. And don’t forget Mohammed Siraj, who is like a warrior.”
India’s preparations have begun, and the first day of the intra-squad game has been completed. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill impressed with half-centuries, while Shardul Thakur performed well with the ball. Now Shubman Gill, who is captaining the Test team for the first time, has a big decision to make. He and the team management will have to decide their bowling strategy before the first Test.
