Follow UsIndia were beaten comprehensively in the first Test against England at Leeds after the bowlers failed to defend 371. Bowling is a massive cause for concern at the moment for India, especially with a cloud over Jasprit Bumrah's participation in the second Test at Edgbaston.
Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar believes that India should go in with three spinners regardless of the conditions, like they have done on many occasions in the past.
“English summers these days are generally dry summers because of global warming. So you know, maybe it’s a way to introduce spin in England. And let’s not forget, Ben Stokes has completely changed his thinking and made it common-sense cricket thinking. We have to go back to those days when India would play three spinners no matter what, if it’s New Zealand or England," Manjrekar said on JioHotstar, as reported by ICC.
Outside the subcontinent, India have often gone in with just one spinner in Test matches. In the past, they have had legends like Anil Kumble and Harbhajan Singh fit into the team anywhere with Sachin Tendulkar or Virender Sehwag rolling their arms over on occasions. Other than Ravindra Jadeja, India have Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar as their other two spinners in the squad.
Manjrekar further added that outside Bumrah, he is worried about India's bowling attack.
"I really worry about our bowling [without Bumrah] unless Kuldeep Yadav comes to India’s rescue. India’s great wins in the last many years have been when the bowlers came to the battles to rescue them. India just didn’t get enough runs, but their bowlers bailed them out," Manjrekar said.
While Bumrah is available for selection, the management are yet to take a call if he will play in the second Test.