Can Kuldeep Yadav turn the tables on England?

The riddle for India cricket coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill is that there is no “vacancy” for a spinner ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford. There’s Ravindra Jadeja, who almost took India home at Lord’s, and Washinton Sundar is among wickets too and has a healthy average of almost 39 in 11 Tests.

Yet, Kuldeep Yadav, who has been warming the bench so far, might be just the key to turning the tide India’s way. His left arm wrist spin is full of revs, flight, dip and guile, and can present England batters with a serious challenge. His batting is underwhelming, but he is a wicket taker that India is currently looking for.

After the batting embarrassment of the first Test, Gambhir and Co. opted to strengthen the line up and sought to strike a balance by betting on all-rounders. The gambit almost came off and it is not the fault of the brains trust that India could not scrape together 135 runs on the last day of the Lord’s Test.

Conventional wisdom rebels against including three spinners unless there is stark evidence that the pitch is a real turner. The quest for such evidence is likely to be fruitless. Talk about the Old Trafford pitch being supportive of pace or its likely behaviour under an overcast is a matter of speculation. But with Jasprit Bumrah not looking likely to run through the England innings despite two five wicket hauls and injuries sidelining Akash Deep and Arshdeep Singh, it is time to think differently.

The wheel has turned a full circle and while the first Test saw India short on batting, it needs bowlers to get England out twice if it is to remain in consideration for Anderson- Tendulkar trophy. So, risky as it may sound, India may have to consider making a hard choice while hoping Karun Nair comes good. So far, Nair has had a few longish stints in the middle but the crucial 50 has eluded him.

Current and former cricket administrators feel Kuldeep can be the bogey man who England will struggle to manage. An underwhelming pace attack, despite flashes of brilliance, may not be enough. If that is the case, India may bank much to much on Mohammad Siraj. The never-say-die pacer would be greatly assisted if Kuldeep hits his straps.

Gautam GambhirIndia-England cricket matchIndian cricket teamKuldeep YadavRavindra JadejaShubman Gill