India’s England tour is in trouble. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to miss the 5th Test as per BCCI’s medical advice. Without him, Akash Deep may play, although he missed the 4th Test due to a groin issue.
Rumors are that India might play left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, a T20 regular, in his first Test. If so, Mohammed Siraj, who played all four Tests, will lead the pace attack.
Sanjay Manjrekar, a former Indian cricketer, thinks Bumrah’s absence means Shubman Gill’s team lacks a wicket-taker. Because of this, he thinks left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav, who is known for his aggressive style, should play.
India can still win the series despite poor tactics and team selection which worries me. India needs a bowling attack that can get 20 wickets. If Bumrah is out, a main wicket-taker is gone, Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo.
It’s clear Kuldeep Yadav has to play. Getting 20 wickets should be the priority since the batting looks good. India can drop a batter since Jadeja and Sundar are in form. Shardul Thakur should sit and Kuldeep should play, he added.
On Tuesday, India’s batting coach said the decision on Kuldeep playing at The Oval is not final.
Our captain and head coach will talk and decide. It’s not decided yet and even if it was, I can’t say. But the decision will come tomorrow, Kotak said.
