Ravindra Jadeja is India’s most experienced player in the squad, but a change of role could be on the cards in the India vs England Tests. At 36, the all-rounder has been one of India’s most dependable batsmen overseas over the past few years. And while Jadeja’s returns with the bat have increased, his form with the ball has dipped. The 36-year-old’s form could prompt captain Shubman Gill to play Kuldeep Yadav.
Ravindra Jadeja: Dependable batter, but spin on the wane?
Ravindra Jadeja is one of India’s great all-rounders and has been crucial to the team’s balance in overseas Tests. Slotting in at No.7, the left-hander’s role allowed captains to play 4 pacers in seam-friendly conditions. Jadeja also chipped in with the ball, while putting in vital contributions with the bat in hand. The 36-year-old scored a century in the last India vs England Test in Birmingham, forming a vital partnership with Rishabh Pant.
However, while Jadeja’s batting has improved, his effectiveness with the ball has come down severely. He has 22 wickets in 13 Overseas Tests, with an average of 37.22 in the last 5 years. It is a stark contrast to his overall bowling average, which is 24.14. He has bowled just 300 overs in 20 innings, averaging about 15 overs per Test.
The India vs England series will feature surfaces aiding pace. However, since Ben Stokes has taken over as captain, surfaces have often been on the flatter side to ensure quick runs. On surfaces with little, Jadeja will have to do a bit of heavy lifting. And given his recent record, that might be too much to ask. At 36, he is not getting any younger and has a history of injuries.
Should Kuldeep Yadav feature in IND vs ENG Tests?
Barring Jadeja, Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav are the other two spin options. Sundar offers a like-for-like option with a batting upside. However, Kudeep is more of a frontline spin option. The left-arm wrist spinner has played only 1 Test in England, where he bowled 9 overs and went wicketless. However, that game was back in the 2018 series.
Kuldeep Yadav is now a changed bowler. He has a 5-wicket haul in Sydney, while he has forced himself back into India’s Test plans. His wrist spin gives him a slight advantage on flat tracks, and he could be a game-changing pick. Former India bowling coach Bharat Arun has backed the Delhi Capitals star to make an impact like the late Shane Warne.
“Wrist spinners have always been effective, especially in England. Maybe even initially, when there is a little bit of dampness in the wicket, there is help for those wrist spinners. And also, the roughs that the bowlers create. But again, using the rough is a separate art.
It’s not just bowling. I think somebody who instantly comes to our mind is Shane Warne. I think Kuldeep has got enough skills to be successful in England. And also, if you look at this bowling attack, yes, it is relatively inexperienced, but it’s got huge potential. I would play Kuldeep Yadav. Even if not in the first innings, second innings, he would be a handful to deal with,” said Arun speaking to RevSportz.
India are unlikely to feature both together, with Shardul Thakur or Nitish Reddy likely to take the all-round spot. That would mean only one of Jadeja or Kuldeep gets into the XI. Kuldeep’s chances of making that jump are slim, but it could be an option worth considering during the course of the IND vs ENG series.
Ravindra Jadeja no more a frontline spinner? Why India should pick Kuldeep Yadav for IND vs ENG Tests Inside Sport India.
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