Parthiv Patel, a former wicketkeeper-batter, thinks India should consider including Kuldeep Yadav in their bowling lineup for Thursday’s fifth Test match against England at The Oval.
Former Team India cricketer Parthiv Patel believes the team should try to add Kuldeep Yadav to the mix before the fifth Test match against England.
India will want a wicket-taking bowler like Kuldeep if lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah is unable to play in the fifth Test, Patel stated on JioHotstar.
“India should approach selection the way they’ve approached their batting — with confidence. If Bumrah isn’t available, India will need another attacking bowler. In this current bowling mix, Kuldeep Yadav offers that attacking edge as a wicket-taker,” he said.
“So, from that perspective, I believe India should find a way to include him. Whether it happens or not, I’m not sure — but my opinion is that Kuldeep Yadav should play,” Patel added.
The BCCI’s medical experts advised Bumrah not to play in consecutive Test matches due to his workload; therefore, he might not play in the last Test match.
Regarding Bumrah’s workload management, the former cricket player believes that the support staff ought to assist him in getting better as soon as possible.
“It was announced at the press conference that he would play only three Tests, so there are a lot of factors to consider — recovery, fitness, workload. But I would personally want to see him play the final one. Hopefully, the support staff travelling with the team can help him recover in time,” he said.
Mohammed Siraj will be India’s top pacer while he is away. The Hyderabad-born player has bowled 139 overs and is the only pacer to have participated in all four Test matches thus far.
Patel also praised Siraj, stating that his smile is admirable regardless of the circumstances of the contest.
“We tend to take Mohammed Siraj for granted. The effort he puts in, the intensity, and the smile he wears — no matter the match situation — that’s commendable. As for Bumrah, we’re all aware of how carefully his workload is being managed,” said the 40-year-old.
Team India has prepared to face the ‘Three Lions’ in the fifth Test, which will begin at The Oval on July 31, following their draw in the fourth Test match.
