Is Kuldeep Yadav the Missing Piece for India in the Must-Win 4th Test at Manchester?
With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy hanging in the balance, all eyes are on India’s selection strategy for the must-win fourth Test at Manchester. Trailing 1-2 in the five-match series against England, India’s spin department has so far been helmed by Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar. But as the pressure mounts, questions are being raised — is this finally the right moment to bring Kuldeep Yadav into the XI?
If you ask Kuldeep’s childhood coach Kapil Yadav, the answer is a firm yes.
Despite his stellar form in recent months, Kuldeep has remained on the bench for the first three Tests. Kapil believes this may be a costly oversight. “Kuldeep Yadav is in top form right now. He was lethal during the ODI World Cup and bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament,” he told IANS. “Not playing him at the right moments has cost India heavily. In the recent matches, it’s the batters who have failed, not the bowlers.”
Kuldeep’s red-ball stats are hard to ignore: 56 wickets in just 13 Tests at an impressive average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls. However, he continues to be underutilized in the longer format, often edged out in favor of allrounders who bolster the batting order.
Kapil Yadav understands India’s current strategy but urges caution. “You can’t expect someone like Kuldeep or even Bumrah to score 100 runs – that would be unrealistic,” he said, emphasizing that specialist bowlers need to be trusted for their primary skill: taking wickets.
The coach remains optimistic and says Kuldeep is staying mentally and physically prepared. “Yes, his morale is high, but deep down he must also be wondering when he’ll get his chance – after all, he’s only human,” Kapil said. “I told him to stay ready and focused. He can be a crucial asset for Team India in Manchester.”
With India needing a spark to level the series, it might just be the perfect time to unleash Kuldeep Yadav — a proven match-winner with the ball, waiting in the wings.
