Ganguly Says Bowlers 'Are Ready' But 'Want Kuldeep To Be Included Somehow'
Sourav Ganguly believes India's bowling is strong, emphasised Jasprit Bumrah's importance but advocated for spinner Kuldeep Yadav.
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly believes that India's bowling attack is ready with or without Jasprit Bumrah. and with more playtime, they will become even more prepared. He emphasised Bumrah's importance, stating that his presence significantly enhances the bowling attack.
Ganguly also thinks spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in India's setup.
Since his debut against Australia in Dharamsala in 2017, Kuldeep has played 13 Tests and taken 56 wickets. His last Test appearance was against New Zealand in India. However, he missed out on a spot in Rohit Sharma-led India's squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia.
Kuldeep was part of India's squad for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025, a five-Test match series, but did not get a chance to play in any match.
Ganguly told Sports Tak that all the players are prepared, and more game time will help them further. He wants Bumrah to be fit, as his participation strengthens the attack. He also advocates for including Kuldeep in the team, noting the importance of having a good spinner.
'All of them are ready. And the more chances we get, the more ready we will be. I want Bumrah to be fit. Because if Bumrah plays, the attack becomes even better. Jasprit Bumrah is not easy on this wicket. We will have to look at the spinners. I want Kuldeep to be included in the team somehow," Sourav Ganguly was quoted as saying by Sports Tak.
Ganguly added that if Rishabh Pant is injured, Dhruv Jurel should keep wickets. He believes that if Pant bats at number five, with Jadeja at six and Washington at seven, Kuldeep will find a place in the team. He stressed the necessity of having a good spinner in the fourth and fifth positions for consistent wins against strong teams over a long period.
'I think if Rishabh Pant was injured, Jurel would have to play. If Rishabh Pant comes in 5th, and Jadeja comes in 6th, and Washington comes in 7th, then Kuldeep will have a place in this team. Because with good teams, over a long period, to win consistently, it is very important to be a good spinner in the 4th and 5th" added Ganguly.
India recently played a five-Test match series against England, which ended in a 2-2 draw after Shubman Gill-led India defeated England by six runs in the last Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025.
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