Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from India’s playing XI in the Edgbaston Test drew criticism from many former players. However, heading into the third Test at Lord’s, the debate over his inclusion has shifted. This time, several experts feel the Lord’s pitch may not favor spinners like Kuldeep, especially after India’s convincing win in the second Test.
India, resting Jasprit Bumrah for workload management, faced backlash for dropping their lead pacer and excluding Kuldeep. But a 336-run win silenced many critics. As attention turns to Lord’s, known for its pacer-friendly surface, it seems unlikely that the Indian team will opt for an extra spinner.
England head coach Brendon McCullum has already requested a livelier pitch for the third Test, reinforcing the perception that Lord’s will once again favor seam bowlers.
Former Indian Players Divided on Kuldeep’s Inclusion
Former pacer Varun Aaron made his stance clear, stating he would not consider Kuldeep Yadav for the Lord’s Test. He argued that the pitch has historically favored fast bowlers. “Not at all, I wouldn’t consider an extra spinner at Lord’s. The numbers say it all. Mostly fast bowlers take wickets at Lord’s,” he said on JioHotstar.
The stats support Aaron’s claim. In 148 Tests at Lord’s, fast bowlers have taken 3229 wickets at an average of 28.83. In contrast, spinners have taken less than one-third of that total. Only four spinners have ever taken more than 30 wickets at the venue. Notably, the last two times India won at Lord’s, it was thanks to the efforts of pacers like Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj, and Jasprit Bumrah.
Former wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel, however, believes Kuldeep could be a useful addition, especially if the conditions permit. “It will depend upon the conditions, but I would definitely like to see Kuldeep Yadav in this Indian Playing XI,” he noted.
Team Balance May Decide Kuldeep’s Fate
Deep Dasgupta provided a balanced view, suggesting that while Kuldeep’s inclusion is desirable, it is not practically likely given the current squad dynamics. “I would definitely keep him in my XI, but it looks difficult. If Karun Nair or Nitish Reddy had delivered with the bat, India could have dropped a batter to play a spinner,” he said.
Kuldeep’s only appearance at Lord’s came in 2018, where he bowled nine wicketless overs. With India’s pace unit in good form and the pitch likely to offer bounce and movement, the team may continue with a seam-heavy attack.
The final decision will depend on conditions on match day, but for now, Kuldeep’s return to the XI remains uncertain.
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