Daijiworld Media Network- Birmingham
Birmingham, Jun 25: In the wake of India's disappointing defeat in the first Test at Leeds, former England spinner Monty Panesar has suggested a bold tactical shift for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham. The former left-arm spinner believes India must bring in Kuldeep Yadav for his game-changing abilities, even if it means dropping seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.
“Edgbaston tends to assist spin a little, and this is the perfect time to bring in Kuldeep Yadav. He’s got that X-factor, and can trouble any batting line-up,” Panesar remarked while speaking to PTI Videos.
India, defending a target of 371 in the final innings at Leeds, suffered a bitter loss after opener Ben Duckett’s brilliant 149 guided England to a memorable chase. The Indian bowling lacked penetration on a wearing pitch, further fuelling the case for a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep.
Panesar, who played a crucial role in England's famous 2012 series win in India, backed the stats to make his point. Kuldeep has taken 56 wickets in just 13 Tests at an impressive average of 22.16, compared to Thakur's 33 wickets in 12 Tests at a higher average of 29.36.
“This IPL season showed he doesn’t need raging turners. He can create pressure just by his angles and accuracy. Even on flat decks, Kuldeep can be a menace,” Panesar said, stressing that England’s aggressive batters would find the left-arm chinaman bowler harder to counter.
Thakur's performance in the Leeds Test—16 overs for 89 runs and two wickets, coupled with an ineffective batting display—has led to scrutiny over his role in the side, especially as English wickets no longer offer the same assistance to seamers.
Panesar, however, was cautious when asked about choosing Kuldeep over Ravindra Jadeja. While he prefers Kuldeep’s attacking prowess, he acknowledged that Jadeja's defensive style provides crucial control.
“Jadeja tends to bowl fast and flat, and plays the role of a defensive spinner well. India generally prefers that style. But if they want wickets, Kuldeep is the better option. The ideal scenario would be playing both—Jadeja for control, and Kuldeep for breakthroughs,” he noted.
India now face a crucial selection dilemma ahead of the second Test. Whether they stick with experience and stability or take a bold step with their ‘X-factor’ spinner could well decide the direction of the series.