Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar defended Rohit Sharma's decision to leave out spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against New Zealand. He supported the inclusion of in-form seamer Akash Deep and spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar in the playing eleven for the crucial match, stating that Kuldeep's artistry would not be needed on a pitch offering a lot of assistance to the bowlers. However, former Indian great Sunil Gavaskar expressed disappointment with Kuldeep's exclusion and viewed the addition of Washington as a panicked move. The Indian team, led by Sharma, will have to win this Test to maintain their unbeaten home record in the last 12 years and stay in the race for a spot in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) finals.
Kuldeep Yadav Snubbed: Controversy Surrounds India's Team Selection
In a surprising move, Team India captain Rohit Sharma opted to omit left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav from the playing eleven for the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai. The decision sparked debate among cricket pundits and fans alike.
Background:
Kuldeep Yadav has been a regular feature in India's Test squad since his debut in 2017. Known for his prodigious turn and ability to trouble batters with variations, he has taken 33 wickets in 11 Tests. However, his recent form has been inconsistent, and he struggled in the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur.
Reasoning Behind Exclusion:
Team India's management cited the Wankhede Stadium pitch's favorable conditions for seamers and the inclusion of all-rounder Washington Sundar as reasons for omitting Kuldeep. They believe that the pitch will offer enough assistance to the fast bowlers, and Sundar's off-spin and batting abilities provide more balance to the team.
Reactions:
Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar supported the decision, arguing that Kuldeep's skills are not suited to the conditions. However, legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar expressed disappointment, stating that Kuldeep could have been effective on a turning track.
Top 5 FAQs:
Why was Kuldeep Yadav omitted from the team?
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Conclusion:
The omission of Kuldeep Yadav from India's Test team has raised questions about the team's selection strategy. While the management's reasoning has merit, the decision has undoubtedly generated discussion and debate within the cricketing community. The true impact of Kuldeep's absence will only be evident when the second Test gets underway.
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