Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has urged the Indian team to consider playing left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav throughout the upcoming Test series against England, which begins on June 20.
This suggestion comes as a surprise, given that Indian teams have traditionally avoided fielding more than one specialist spinner in English conditions. Typically, the combination has leaned toward three to four fast bowlers supported by a lone spinner, due to pitches that tend to favor seam and swing.
Ashwin, however, argued that India needs its best bowling attack to win matches – and in his view, Kuldeep is a guaranteed starter.
“When batsmen come through, the best bowling attack will win you matches. If they don’t leave moisture on the pitch, then I think Kuldeep Yadav would be a certainty. And if there is moisture on the pitch, then Kuldeep should still be there,” Ashwin said in an interview with RevSportz.
During India’s previous tour of England in 2021, the team played only one spinner, Ravindra Jadeja, while Ashwin himself was left out despite his experience. This time, a more flexible team combination could be on the cards – with Jadeja likely to bat higher up the order and the presence of all-rounders like Nitish Reddy or Shardul Thakur potentially freeing up a spot for Kuldeep.
Kuldeep has been a consistent wicket-taker despite limited opportunities in Tests. Remarkably, the only time he went wicketless in a Test was at Lord’s in 2018 – also against England.
Ashwin was upbeat about India’s current bowling unit and their chances in English conditions. He believes they are capable of succeeding anywhere.
“Jasprit Bumrah should be No. 1, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, who offers control and can bat in the top five or six. This bowling attack can dismiss any batting lineup in any conditions. Not to forget [Mohammed] Siraj, who is like a warhorse.”
India’s preparations are already underway, with the first day of the intra-squad game completed. KL Rahul and Shubman Gill impressed with fifties, while Shardul Thakur had a decent outing with the ball.
A key decision now awaits Gill – leading the Test side for the first time – as he and the team management weigh their bowling options ahead of the opener.
