IND vs ENG: “Kuldeep Yadav Should’ve Played at Least Three Tests”- Sourav Ganguly Questions Team India’s Selection Call
Sourav Ganguly says Kuldeep Yadav should have played three Tests, backs Mukesh Kumar, and praises Gill’s standout form in England
Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has expressed his disappointment over Kuldeep Yadav not playing a single Test in the five-match series against England. Ganguly believes the wrist-spinner could have made a real difference, especially on Day 5 pitches where India struggled to bowl England out.
“Kuldeep Should Have Played Three Tests”
Speaking at a recent event, Ganguly said, “I wish Kuldeep had played in Manchester, Lord’s, and even in Birmingham. 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.”
He added that historically, great Test teams have relied on top-class spinners.
“In the past, great sides have had great spinners – whether it’s Warne, Murali, Swann, Panesar, Kumble, Harbhajan, or Ashwin. Kuldeep is someone whom India will have to look at playing in the future.”
India played all five Tests without a specialist spinner in the XI, opting instead for pace-heavy combinations. Kuldeep, despite having 56 wickets in 13 Tests at an average of just over 22, remained on the bench.
Mukesh Kumar’s Absence Also Surprises Ganguly
Ganguly also questioned the absence of swing bowler Mukesh Kumar from the squad.
“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,” said the former BCCI president.
Mukesh has consistently impressed in India’s domestic circuit and would have been suited to English conditions that offer help to swing bowlers.
High Praise for Shubman Gill
On the batting front, Ganguly praised the Indian lineup for their solid performances throughout the tour. He especially lauded Shubman Gill, who has been in red-hot form.
“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,” he said.
Gill has scored 743 runs in the series so far at an average of 82.55. Ganguly even compared this Indian batting unit to the strong teams that toured England in 2002 and 2007.
India made four changes in the fourth Test as they continue to search for the right balance. With one match left at The Oval, they’ll hope to level the series 2-2.
