Ex-ENG Pacer On Kuldeep Conundrum: 'Can't Drop Jadeja Or Sundar... 3 Spinners?'
Former England fast bowler Steve Harmison acknowledged that wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav could be a valuable asset for India in the fourth Test in Manchester but struggled to find a way to include him in the 'balanced" side. With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series against England and entering a must-win situation, the potential inclusion of Kuldeep in Manchester has been widely discussed over the past week. Kuldeep's absence in the last three Tests was a strategic decision to strengthen India's batting lineup.
Harmison tried to determine the best combination for Kuldeep's inclusion in the final XI. The former England speedster doesn't expect the ball to bounce for the 30-year-old but is confident that there will be spin available for him.
'I think it would, it is not going to bounce for Kuldeep, but I think it will spin, no doubt it will, as the Test match goes on. We have had three Test matches go into the fifth day, I think India have had to have a serious consideration because at this moment their side is balanced," Harmison said on ESPNcricinfo Match Day.
Kudleep Comes In For?
The Indian team already includes Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar; several former cricketers believe Kuldeep's inclusion would add a new dimension to India's attack. Harmison thinks it's unlikely that India will drop Jadeja or Sundar for Kuldeep, which would result in a three-spinner attack, as suggested by former England cricketer Michael Atherton. If India doesn't opt for the three-spinner scenario, Harmison suggests Kuldeep might earn a spot at the expense of either Sundar or a batter.
'You can't drop Jadeja, you can't drop Sundar. Can you play three spinners? That will be a big ask. As much as I think it will be right to play Kuldeep, I am not sure how you get him in. If you drop a batter like they did in the first Test match and everyone move up one. It will be a big call is it Washington Sundar who misses out. I wouldn't like to make that call," he concluded.
(With inputs from ANI)
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July 21, 2025, 15:29 IST
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