Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has supported the team’s choice to include Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav in the ongoing Test series in England. Shastri explained that the selection was largely influenced by the relatively flat nature of the pitches in the first two matches.
India chose Jadeja over Kuldeep for the first Test in Leeds, but after his ineffective performance in the loss at Headingley, many urged Kuldeep’s return. Instead, India stuck with Jadeja for the second Test in Birmingham and added Washington Sundar. Shastri shared his views during a panel discussion on Sky Sports alongside Nasser Hussain, Dinesh Karthik, and Michael Atherton.
During the conversation, he was also asked to comment on England’s young off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, who has struggled to trouble Indian batters in both Tests so far. Without criticizing the 21-year-old, he said England needs a bowler with better control who can also contribute with the bat. Commending India’s selection strategy, he remarked:
“When you play on these pitches in English conditions, I would definitely want a spinner who would give me control and can get me 30-40 runs. That’s why Jadeja is playing for India ahead of Kuldeep. That’s why Washington Sundar came into the side. If it’s a turning track, then the job is to take wickets. Then I am not bothered about the runs.”
“Jadeja has not picked up too many. Washington Sundar, he’s not picked too many. Jadeja has over 300 wickets. It’s very difficult to judge a guy. England need a spinner who can give them control and someone who can score runs for you,” the 63-year-old former India left-arm spinner went on to add.
“India may have found their best seamer for English conditions” – Ravi Shastri
In addition to applauding India’s spin selection for the England Test series, Ravi Shastri suggested that Akash Deep may have unexpectedly emerged as the most suited seamer for English conditions. The right-arm pacer got his opportunity in the second Test as a replacement for the rested Jasprit Bumrah, but played a crucial role in India’s victory. Shastri commented:
“You might have just unearthed the best seamer for English conditions in this Indian line-up by picking Akash Deep, who will trouble England as this series progresses if there is some help.”
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