Team Indian are going through permutations and combinations to pick the strongest XI for the second Test against England. While it is almost certain that Axar Patel will replace Shabaz Nadeem in the second Test, Kuldeep Yadav and Rahul Chahar will fight for the third spinner’s role. What this also means is that one of them will replace Washington Sundar in the second Test. Sundar played the final Test match against Australia at The Gabba. Due to his good performance, he was picked over the Kuldeep in the first Tes against England.
The chinaman has not played for 14 Test matches for India, despite being a part of the squad since playing his last Test in Sydney in 2019. For over two years now, Kuldeep Yadav has not played Test cricket for Team India.
Meanwhile, as per a report in TOI, the availability of Axar Patel in place of Sundar might make Indian skipper Virat Kohli think of making a wrist spinner featuring into the playing XI. This is where Kuldeep Yadav gets into the equation. However, since he has been sitting on the sidelines for some time now, it will be interesting to see Kohli picks Kuldeep or hands a Test debut to Rahul Chahar.
Kuldeep Yadav’s Inclusion Will be Virat’s Call: Team Official
“His primary job is to bowl off-spin where he was a bit of a letdown. If Axar comes in, he can bat at No. 7 and the management may look to try a wrist-spinner,” a source told the Times of India.
“While Kuldeep will bring the ball in to the right-hander, Chahar will take it away. It will be entirely Virat’s call who he thinks is the right fit,” the source further explained.
Kuldeep Yadav played his last Test match for India in 2019. Since then, despite being in the Indian squad, the chinaman has been always overlooked by the Indian team management. The absence of Kuldeep in the playing XI despite India playing three spinners was criticised by Indian cricket experts and fans alike.
Also Read: 5 Cricketers Who Were In The Squad But Never Player For India
