With India trailing 2-1 in the five-match Test series against England, former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has called for a big change in the playing XI ahead of the fourth Test in Manchester, starting July 23. Harbhajan suggested that left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be brought into the XI in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy, who has had a patchy run in the series so far.
The third Test at Lord’s ended in heartbreak for India as they fell short by 22 runs in a tense finish. Chasing 193 on a challenging pitch, India were bundled out for 170. Reddy picked up important wickets in both innings with the ball but his batting returns were once again underwhelming. He made 30 in the first innings and 13 in the second, taking his series tally to just 45 runs.
Nitish Kumar Reddy’s form has been a mixed bag throughout the tour. At Edgbaston, he went wicketless and failed to reach double digits with the bat in either innings. At Lord’s, he made an early impact with the ball, taking two wickets in his very first over and added another in the second innings. But his inability to contribute significantly with the bat has raised questions over his place in the side with the series now on the line.
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Harbhajan Singh Backs Kuldeep Yadav, Questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Place Ahead of Manchester Test
Explaining his views, Harbhajan said Kuldeep Yadav could be a game-changer on English pitches against a free-flowing England batting line-up. He also reiterated that he had been pushing for Kuldeep’s inclusion since the second Test.
"I had said before the Lord's Test and also for the Birmingham Test that Kuldeep should play. Because the kind of free flowing batting these Englishmen do, it is not that easy to him. If such a spinner spins it both sides, then he can become a mystery bowler and take wickets at crucial times," Harbhajan said as quoted to India Today.
He shared his thoughts on the team combination and backed Kuldeep to play in place of Reddy.
"In Test cricket, it is not just that they are waiting for the new ball. Let a few overs be bowled. If nothing much is happening, then Kuldeep Yadav can take wickets. If it was my team, I would drop Nitish and bring Kuldeep directly in the team," he added.
India Under Pressure in Manchester Test
India will face England in the fourth Test at Emirates Old Trafford from July 23. India must win or draw the Test to keep the series alive. A loss would hand England the series with one match still to play.
The team management will have to think deeply about their combination going forward. Reddy’s all-round promise has not fully translated into impactful performances in this high-pressure series. Kuldeep offers a different skill set that could make a difference.
There are also reports coming in that Arshdeep Singh has been ruled out of the upcoming Test due to an injury. Akash Deep is also likely to be rested due to a niggle. Anshul Kamboj has joined the squad.
All eyes will be on the playing XI when the fourth Test begins in Manchester.
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