Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel believes India should look into selecting Kuldeep Yadav in their bowling line-up for the fifth Test against England, starting at The Oval on Thursday.
Ahead of the fifth Test match against England, former Team India cricketer Parthiv Patel feels that the side should look to include Kuldeep Yadav to the mix.
While speaking on JioHotstar, Patel said if lead pacer Jasprit Bumrah misses out on the fifth Test, India will then need a wicket-taking bowler like Kuldeep.
“India should approach selection the way they’ve approached their batting — with confidence. If Bumrah isn’t available, India will need another attacking bowler. In this current bowling mix, Kuldeep Yadav offers that attacking edge as a wicket-taker,” he said.
“So from that perspective, I believe India should find a way to include him. Whether it happens or not, I’m not sure — but my opinion is that Kuldeep Yadav should definitely play,” Patel added.
Bumrah may not play the final Test match, as he was advised by the BCCI`s medical team not to feature in consecutive Test matches due to workload.
Speaking about Bumrah`s workload management, the former cricketer feels that maybe the support staff should chip in and help him recover in time.
“It was announced at the press conference that he would play only three Tests, so there are a lot of factors to consider — recovery, fitness, workload. But I would personally want to see him play the final one. Hopefully, the support staff travelling with the team can help him recover in time,” he said.
In his absence, Mohammed Siraj will be the lead pacer for India. Additionally, the Hyderabad-born cricketer is the only pacer who has played all four Test matches so far and has bowled 139 overs.
Further, Patel hailed Siraj by saying the smile he wears, irrespective of the match situation, is commendable.
“We tend to take Mohammed Siraj for granted. The effort he puts in, the intensity, and the smile he wears — no matter the match situation — that’s commendable. As for Bumrah, we’re all aware of how carefully his workload is being managed,” said the 40-year-old.
After securing a draw in the fourth Test match, Team India has geared up to lock horns against the `Three Lions` in the fifth Test, which is scheduled to be played at The Oval from July 31.
(With IANS Inputs)
