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Key Points

Steve Harmison believes Kuldeep Yadav could be crucial for India in the Manchester Test but struggles to see how he fits into the current lineup. India’s trailing position adds urgency to their selection dilemma. Harmison rules out dropping Jadeja or Sundar, making Kuldeep’s inclusion tricky. The decision could come down to sacrificing a batter or altering the spin balance.

Key Points: Steve Harmison Weighs India's Kuldeep Yadav Dilemma for Manchester Test

  • Harmison acknowledges Kuldeep's value but questions India's balanced lineup
  • India trails 1-2 and faces must-win pressure in Manchester
  • Kuldeep's inclusion may force tough calls on Sundar or a batter
  • Three-spinner strategy debated but deemed unlikely by Harmison
3 min read

Will be right to play him, not sure how: Steve Harmison on India's Kuldeep dilemma

Former England pacer Steve Harmison discusses Kuldeep Yadav's potential inclusion in India's XI for the must-win Manchester Test against England.

"As much as I think it will be right to play Kuldeep, I am not sure how you get him in. – Steve Harmison"

New Delhi, July 21

Former England quick Steve Harmison acknowledged the wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav would be an asset for India in the fourth Test in Manchester, but struggled to conjure a way of fitting him in the "balanced" side.

With India trailing 1-2 in the five-match series against England and dwindling in the must-win territory, the inclusion of Kuldeep in Manchester has been the talk of the town for the past week. Kuldeep's absence in the last three Tests stems from a strategic move to lengthen India's batting unit.

Harmison attempted to determine the optimal combination for Kuldeep's inclusion in the final XI. The former England speedster isn't expecting the ball to bounce for the 30-year-old but remains assured that there will be spin on offer for him.

"I think it would, it is not going to bounce for Kuldeep, but I think it will spin, no doubt it will, as the Test match goes on. We have had three Test matches go into the fifth day, I think India have had to have a serious consideration because at this moment their side is balanced," Harmison said on ESPNcricinfo Match Day.

The tourists enjoy the services of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar in their line-up; several former cricketers feel Kuldeep's inclusion would add a new dimension to India's attack.

Harmison believes it is unlikely that India will drop Jadeja or Sundar for Kuldeep, which would result in a three-spinner attack, a combination suggested by former England cricketer Michael Atherton. If the three-spin scenario isn't a part of India's plans, Harmison feels Kuldeep earning a spot in the final would be at the cost of either Sundar or a batter.

"You can't drop Jadeja, you can't drop Sundar. Can you play three spinners? That will be a big ask. As much as I think it will be right to play Kuldeep, I am not sure how you get him in. If you drop a batter like they did in the first Test match and everyone move up one. It will be a big call is it Washington Sundar who misses out. I wouldn't like to make that call," he concluded.

India's squad for fourth Test: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (VC & WK), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Kuldeep Yadav, Anshul Kamboj.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I think we're overcomplicating this. Sundar hasn't done anything extraordinary with bat or ball. Kuldeep brings that X-factor we desperately need in a must-win match. Time to take some risks!
A
Aman W
Respectfully disagree with Harmison here. Our batting is already fragile - dropping a batter for Kuldeep would be suicidal. Maybe rest one pacer if conditions favor spin? 🤔
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Sarah B
As a neutral observer, India's selection headaches show their incredible depth. Most teams would kill to have this "problem" of choosing between such quality players! Interesting tactical battle ahead.
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Vikram M
Why not play all three spinners? Manchester is known to assist spin later in the match. Our pacers haven't been consistent anyway. Go for the jugular with spin trio! 💪
K
Kavya N
The real issue is our batting, not bowling. Doesn't matter who we play if we keep collapsing under 300. Maybe focus on that instead of spinner debates? Just saying...

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