Sanjay Manjrekar backs Arshdeep Singh to play 5th Test against England ahead of Prasidh Krishna

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has put his weight behind Arshdeep Singh to make his Test debut at the Kennington Oval against England in the fifth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar series. Manjrekar wants Singh to play ahead of Prasidh Krishna.

Krishna played the first two Test matches against England but failed to impress with his line and length. The lanky pacer from Karnataka scalped six wickets in two games at an average of 55.17 and also conceded his runs at an economy rate of more than five.

Meanwhile, Singh was ruled out of the fourth Test match due to a finger injury, but he is fit and available for the series decider.

Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPN Cricinfo, “When it comes to the close call between Prasidh Krishna and Arshdeep, I’d like to go with Arshdeep. We’ve seen enough of Prasidh Krishna… Invest in somebody who might give you long-term returns, and that’s where I’d like to go with Arshdeep.”

Manjrekar added that Anshul Kamboj, who had a tough debut at Old Trafford, is unlikely to play at the Oval. Kamboj had returned with figures of 1-89 in 18 overs he had bowled.

Manjrekar added, “Anshul Kamboj, it’s a little too harsh, but only, you know, I don’t see him playing the [his] second Test only because of how he looked rather than his returns.”

On the other hand, Manjrekar said it is a no-brainer for him that India should play Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI in place of Shardul Thakur.

Manjrekar concluded, “India will have to start trusting their batting lineup despite Rishabh Pant not being a part of it, and Kuldeep Yadav will have to come back. There have been so many moments in this series where you imagine Kuldeep Yadav being part of the Indian bowling attack, and we’ve talked about the moments where India could make a difference and win a game overseas, and that’s where Kuldeep Yadav would’ve been really handy. So, he comes in and Shardul Thakur sits out… For me, it’s a no-brainer.”

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.