Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion for the second Test match against England. Yadav was not part of India’s playing XI for the opening Test against as the visitors had backed Ravindra Jadeja as the solitary spinner in the team.

Manjrekar reckons India would need to leave out Shardul Thakur. The Mumbai all-rounder was dismissed after scoring a single run when he went for a booming drive but could only find an outside edge. The right-hander could only manage four runs in the second essay.

Surprisingly, Gill gave only six overs to Thakur, in which he conceded 38 runs and went wicketless in England’s first innings. The right-arm medium pacer picked two wickets in the second essay but he was expensive once again.

Manjrekar wants India to back Nitish Kumar Reddy in the starting XI after the all-rounder impressed on the Australian tour.

“Nitish Kumar Reddy, I had included him on my side for the first Test. And Kuldeep Yadav has to come back. I’m sorry to say, but Shardul Thakur has to go out,” Manjrekar said while speaking on JioHotstar. 

“India will have to take a hard call that even in English conditions, they go with quality bowlers, and if the quality bowlers happen to be two spinners, go for it because you don’t quite have the luxury of a Shami and some of the other bowlers to pick from,” Manjrekar added.

Meanwhile, Manjrekar added Bumrah’s workload should be monitored before the second Test. According to reports, Bumrah is expected to be rested to manage his workload.

“When you break it down, he has bowled 42 or 43 (43.4) overs in total in five days, and there’s going to be a break of another few days (between the first and the second Test),” Manjrekar said.

“Talk to his physiotherapist, his doctor, see him in the nets and if he’s pretty good, close to 100% fitness, you play him,” Manjrekar added.

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.