As India prepares for the vital Manchester Test, needing a win after falling to a 2-1 deficit in the series, discussions among fans and analysts are focused on potential adjustments to the team’s lineup. Adding his perspective to the debate, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh has proposed a significant alteration, with the aim of improving India’s prospects in the critical match and reviving hopes for a series victory.
Harbhajan Singh suggests a bold change in the playing XI
Harbhajan is again advocating for Kuldeep Yadav, reaffirming his belief that the left-arm spinner should be included in the starting XI. He stressed Kuldeep’s dual-directional spin capabilities, which could pose challenges for England’s aggressive batsmen, potentially making him a deceptive bowler capable of securing key wickets. He had expressed similar support for Kuldeep in the second and third Tests.
“I mentioned before the Lord’s Test and also for the Birmingham Test that Kuldeep should be playing. The expansive style of batting exhibited by the English team presents challenges that he can overcome. A spinner with the ability to spin the ball both ways can become a mystery bowler and claim important wickets during crucial periods,” Harbhajan shared in a discussion with SportsTak.
Harbhajan urges dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy for Manchester Test
Harbhajan further elaborated that in Test cricket, the impact is not limited to the new ball phase. Kuldeep possesses the ability to make breakthroughs even if the initial overs yield minimal results. He suggested that, if the decision were his, he would replace Nitish Kumar Reddy with Kuldeep directly in the lineup.
“In Test cricket, it isn’t just a matter of waiting for the new ball. Even after a few overs have been bowled, Kuldeep Yadav has the potential to take wickets when little else is happening. If I were in charge, I would substitute Nitish with Kuldeep immediately,” Harbhajan stated.
