Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has backed Kuldeep Yadav to replace Nitish Kumar Reddy in the fourth Test match against England. Reddy has played the last two Test matches but he has failed to deliver for the visitors.
The right-hander has scored 45 runs in two Test matches at an average of 11.25 whereas he has scalped three wickets at an average of 37. In fact, Reddy has been ruled out of the fourth Test due to a knee injury and he is doubtful for the fifth Test.
On the other hand, Kuldeep Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28 but he hasn’t been given his chance in the first three Test matches.
Harbhajan Singh said on Sports Tak, “In Test cricket, it is not just that they are waiting for the new ball. Let a few overs be bowled. If nothing much is happening, then Kuldeep Yadav can take wickets. If it was my team, I would drop Nitish and bring Kuldeep directly in the team.”
“I had said before the Lord’s Test and also for the Birmingham Test that Kuldeep should play. Because the kind of free flowing batting these Englishmen do, it is not that easy to him. If such a spinner spins it both sides, then he can become a mystery bowler and take wickets at crucial times.”
On the other hand, the Turbanator said he would back Sai Sudharsan in India’s playing XI. Sudharsan returned with scores of 0 and 30 in his debut Test at Leeds, Headingley but he was dropped thereafter.
“If there was a change in the top order, I would back Sai Sudarshan a little more. I would not have sidelined him after the first match. I think he is very capable, he is a very good player,” said Harbhajan.
The fourth Test match between England and India will be played at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 onwards.
