Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that India must include Kuldeep Yadav if they are to win at least two Test matches against England. He also questioned whether team mentor Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill are truly committed to taking 20 wickets—an essential requirement for winning a Test.
“There is a serious question over Gambhir and Gill’s commitment to taking 20 wickets. This Test will show us. If you are seriously committed, Kuldeep gets a look-in,” Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.
Kuldeep has performed well against England in the past, having taken 21 wickets in six matches at an average of 22.28. During England’s 2024 tour of India, he claimed 19 wickets in four Tests and was also named Player of the Match in the final Test at Dharamsala.
“Kuldeep Yadav has to play. If there isn’t much grass, Kuldeep must play. Drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep has to be in the team. If he does play, the England tail won’t score many runs either. Kuldeep would help you win two to three Tests in the series as he would create problems,” Ashwin added.
Ashwin Talks About Pitch Conditions and Team Changes
When analyst Prasanna Agoram suggested changes to the playing XI, Ashwin responded, “I sort of agree but am not a big fan of too many changes… I’m okay with either Akash Deep or Arshdeep in case Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t play.”
Commenting on Nitish Reddy’s chances of inclusion, he said, “I know for a fact that this management really rates Nitish Reddy.”
Ashwin also shared insights on how pitches behave in England: “England is a very unforgiving place for spinners… The pitch settles down for an hour and then starts to get slower as the game progresses.”
He concluded by urging fans not to overvalue IPL success: “It raises the question of whether we in India give too much importance to IPL performances. Don’t misinterpret me—I think Sai is going to be a superstar.”
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