ENG vs IND: Former England spinner calls for inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in India playing XI for the second test

Monty Panesar feels that Kuldeep Yadav can be X factor in the XI for India in second test against England.

Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that the Indian Cricket Team should bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI for the second test against the England Cricket Team. The game between the two teams will begin from 2nd July at Edgbaston in Birmingham. 

India faced a disappointing loss in the first game of the five-match series. The match between the two teams took place at Headingley in Leeds. The game, which was played over five days, saw both teams displaying brilliant performances with the bat and ball. 

India had a great outing with the bat in both innings, barring the lower-order collapses. But, it’s fair to say that their bowling let them down. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, no other bowler could make a winning impact as they failed to defend the target of 371 runs. 

India would be keen to come up with a better bowling performance in the second game. There are chances that they might make some changes in the XI as a few bowlers looked completely out of rhythm in both innings. 

Monty Panesar feels that India should bring the ‘X factor’ Kuldeep Yadav into the XI. He said that even if there won’t be a turn on the surface, the wrist spinner can make life tough for the batters. Speaking to PTI, he said: 

“At Edgbaston, India could probably play (Ravindra) Jadeja and could actually go for the X-factor spinner in Kuldeep Yadav…we know that the Edgbaston wicket does turn a little bit. So you have that bit of an X-factor, which I think would be a better option. There’s something about him.” 

“He doesn’t need turning tracks. This IPL showed that even without exaggerated turn, he can bowl tough lines that make life difficult for batters,” he added. 

I think they need to play Kuldeep because he has more of an X factor – Monty Panesar 

While batting for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the XI, Monty Panesar added that the wrist spinner could play instead of Ravindra Jadeja, or India can play both, as one can be attacking and one can be defensive. He added: 

“I think they need to play Kuldeep because he has more of an X factor. There’s something about him. Jadeja bowls too quickly. So I think, yeah, they need to bring in Kuldeep Yadav instead of Jadeja. He becomes the main attacking option,” he said. 

“I just think India won’t go with that. Because India likes a defensive spinner. And they can then use Kuldeep. Because Kuldeep can’t defend. He only attacks. So if he goes the distance, then they’re in deep trouble. So I think they will probably play two spinners. Jadeja can then be the defensive guy. And then Kuldeep will be the attacking guy,” he concluded.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.