Follow UsFormer Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has come out in support of Kuldeep Yadav’s selection in the second Test at Edgbaston, after India failed to pick 20 wickets in the first Test as England cruised home with five wickets in hand in a record chase.
He said on his YouTube channel that the selection calls for the second Test will tell how committed the Indian team management are for picking 20 wickets, which is mandatory for winning a Test.
“There is a serious question of Gambhir and Gill’s commitment to take 20 wickets. This Test will show us. If you are seriously committed, Kuldeep gets a look-in,” Ashwin said, as quoted by the Indian Express.
“Kuldeep Yadav has to play. If there is not much grass, Kuldeep has to play. Drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep has to play. If he does play, the England tail also won’t score much runs. Kuldeep would help you win 2-3 Tests in the series as he would create problems.”
Ashwin also advocated Prasidh Krishna’s selection in Edgbaston after he bowled better in the second innings, and said that in case Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play, India can play either of Akash Deep or Arshdeep Singh.
“I am not a big fan of too many changes. So if Kuldeep comes in for Shardul Thakur, I would retain Prasidh Krishna, as he showed in the second innings of the first Test that when he bowls well, he could do it,” Ashwin added.
“I would also think about the left-arm angle of Arshdeep Singh, but since he is still not a proven commodity in Test cricket, let’s not forget what Akash Deep can do. I am okay with either Akash Deep/Arshdeep in case Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play.”
The second Test begins on July 2 in Birmingham.