The potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI has been the subject of intense debate and discussion since the start of the first Test in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. Despite having to watch the first three Test matches from the sidelines, the left-arm wrist spinner has yet to make his first appearance of the tour.
Spin-bowling all-rounders like Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja have been preferred by the Indian team management since they have chosen to enter the game with more batting resources. Thus far in the series, Jadeja and Sundar have both performed admirably.
To increase the team’s prospects of taking 20 wickets in a Test match, numerous analysts have advised the management to have a little more guts and include Kuldeep Yadav in the lineup.
Steve Harmison, a former pacer for England, stated that he would not bench Sundar or Jadeja in favour of Kuldeep Yadav in the starting lineup for the forthcoming fourth Test match at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
“You cannot abandon Sundar or Jadeja. Is it possible to play three spinners? It will be a lot to ask. Even though I believe playing Kuldeep Yadav will be appropriate, I’m not sure how to bring him in. Everyone moves up one if you drop a batter, like they did in the opening Test match. The call will be significant. Who loses out, Washington Sundar? On ESPNcricinfo Match Day, Harmison stated, “I don’t want to make that call.”
According to Harmison, the Old Trafford surface can work in the spinners’ benefit as the game goes on.
“I believe it would. It won’t bounce for Kuldeep, but as the Test match progresses, I have no doubt that it will spin. Three Test matches have progressed to the fifth day. Since India’s side is currently balanced, I believe they have had to give it careful thought,” he continued.
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