Star spinner Kuldeep Yadav was not selected by a touring Indian side for any of the five Test matches in the current series against England. The Aligarh native was supposed to play as a specialist spinner on the English tracks, but the think tank made him sit out the entire tour as Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, both all-rounders, filled the twin responsibilities.
Since the wrist-spinner did not make an appearance in the starting lineup for any of the games from Headingley to London, former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly recently explained why he expected Kuldeep Yadav to play at least three games. In none of the Test matches did India have a true spinner to take advantage of the UK’s conditions, Ganguly said.
“I wish Kuldeep had played in Manchester (fourth Test), Lord’s (third Test) and even in Birmingham (second Test). Without quality spin, you will find it hard to get teams out on Day 5 of a Test. On a pitch which had a bit of rough and there was a bit of turn, there wasn’t a quality spinner,” stated Ganguly at a Bisk Farm event as quoted by The Hindu.
“In the past, great sides have had great spinners – whether it’s (Shane) Warne, (Muttiah) Murali (tharan), (Graeme) Swann, (Monty) Panesar, (Anil) Kumble, Harbhajan (Singh) or (Ravichandran) Ashwin. Kuldeep is someone whom India will have to look at playing in the future.”
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly Shocked by Mukesh Kumar’s Omission in ENG vs IND 2025 Series
The former opening batsman has also questioned the lack of knowledge regarding Mukesh Kumar, a swing bowler. Ganguly believes that his statistics, particularly with the red ball, speak for themselves, and he was shocked to be left out. Additionally, he gave captain Shubman Gill extra credit while comparing the current situation to the times he led India to England.
“I was surprised not to see Mukesh Kumar in the national squad, especially with the red ball. His numbers in domestic cricket are phenomenal, and these conditions would have been ideal for him to bowl.”
Sourav Ganguly
“We toured England in 2002 and 2007. From the opening to No. 6, everyone scored well. After a long time, I saw an Indian batting line-up in which everyone, right from the top order, middle-order, lower middle-order, has scored hundreds. Shubman has been outstanding. If you give responsibility, you will get people who can deliver. Young Shubman, first hundred outside India (subcontinent), is batting superbly.”
Sourav Ganguly
In the current series, Gill has amassed the most runs for both India and both teams. He has amassed a staggering 743 innings with an average of 82.55 in the nine innings thus far. India, who changed their lineup four times in the fourth Test, will be aiming for a draw in the current game at The Oval.
