Sanjay Bangar backs Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion for IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar has backed India to play Kuldeep Yadav in the opening Test match against South Africa. Kuldeep recently scalped 12 wickets in two Test matches against the West Indies and ended the series as a leading wicket-taker.

However, he could only bag a solitary wicket in the second unofficial Test match against South Africa A. Kuldeep also didn’t get a chance in any of the five Test matches against England as India wanted to strengthen their batting resources.

Yadav has an impressive record in the Indian conditions and he is the only Indian spinner, who can turn the ball both ways.

Sanjay Bangar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “He (Kuldeep Yadav) definitely deserves to be in the team because whenever he has played, his performance has been excellent. And don’t think too much about the New Zealand series, because whenever the Indian team plays at home, naturally, there will be two finger spinners and one wrist spinner. Having that combination as an option is always better. So, for me, Kuldeep Yadav is a definite pick in the playing XI.”

On the other hand, former Indian batting coach Bangar said India would play only two frontline fast bowlers against the Proteas in the opening Test. Bangar said the hosts will back Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj in the final XI.

“I think India will go with just two seamers because the pitch has black soil, a dark black-soil surface. The ball does grip and turn a bit here, and it also comes slightly slower off the pitch. Despite that, you would still want to have two proper fast bowlers, since in Kolkata the conditions get a bit cooler in the morning and evening, which can offer some normal swing. During the afternoon, there is also a chance of reverse swing.”

“Both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj have the skills to exploit those conditions effectively. Meanwhile, the spinners will also have a role to play during the middle sessions. So, three spinners and two seamers would be an ideal bowling combination for the Indian team,” he added.

The opening Test match between India and South Africa will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, from November 14 onwards.