As India prepares to face England in the first Test at Headingley on June 20, former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has urged the team management to consider fielding both Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI. Singh believes that the duo's variety and wicket-taking ability could prove successful even in conditions that may not overtly favor spin.
Historically, Headingley has been known to support seam bowlers, leading many to believe that a pace-heavy attack is the way to go. However, Harbhajan feels that India should be bold and break from tradition, citing the example of India's 2002 win at the same venue, where he and Anil Kumble spun a web around the English batsmen on a green pitch.
"India should consider playing Kuldeep Yadav. Of course, Jadeja will bowl with him. So, two spinners with three seamers would be the perfect combination for this game," Harbhajan told PTI Videos. He further added, "Let's see if conditions favor spin. But even if they don't, I think these are two capable bowlers who can take wickets on any pitch."
Harbhajan recalled the 2002 Headingley Test, where the team management took a "unique decision" to field two spinners on a green top. That decision paid off handsomely, as Harbhajan and Kumble picked up 11 wickets between them, scripting a memorable win for India. He believes that the current team should draw inspiration from that historic moment and not be afraid to take a similar risk.
While Jadeja's consistency and control are well-known, Kuldeep's inclusion would bring a different dimension to the attack. As a wrist-spinner, Kuldeep has the ability to deceive batsmen in the air and extract sharp turn, making him a potential match-winner, according to Harbhajan.
Besides the spin combination, Harbhajan also weighed in on the all-rounder's role, backing Shardul Thakur over Nitish Reddy. He believes that India needs a bowler who can bat a bit, and Shardul's recent performances, including a century in the warm-up game, give him the edge.
"India needs a bowler who can bat a bit… That's where Shardul has an edge over Nitish Reddy in my view," he added. He emphasized that Shardul is someone who can bowl and get those wickets and can also bat a bit. Not someone who bats and bowls a little bit.
The spin legend also expressed his surprise at Sarfaraz Khan's absence from the Test squad, calling it "unfortunate" and urging the young batter to stay focused and keep working hard.
Meanwhile, Gautam Gambhir, who is set to take over as head coach, is expected to rejoin the team in Leeds on June 17. Gambhir had returned home after his mother was hospitalized but is now set to link up with the squad ahead of the first Test.
As India gears up for the series opener, the team management will have some tough decisions to make regarding the composition of the playing XI. While the conditions at Headingley traditionally favor seamers, Harbhajan's words of wisdom and the example of the 2002 Test could prompt them to think out of the box and consider a two-spinner strategy. The inclusion of both Jadeja and Kuldeep would not only add variety to the attack but also give India the best chance of picking up 20 wickets and starting the series on a positive note.
