Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has advocated for the inclusion of both Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja in India's playing XI for the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, commencing on June 20, 2025. This recommendation comes amidst discussions and speculations surrounding the ideal team composition for the crucial series opener.
India's Test squad for the England tour sees Shubman Gill leading the team, shouldering the responsibility in the absence of seasoned campaigners like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rishabh Pant has been named the vice-captain, marking a significant leadership transition within the team. The squad also includes a blend of experienced players and fresh faces, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, and Nitish Kumar Reddy. The bowling attack comprises Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh, alongside the spin options of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav.
Harbhajan's suggestion to field both Kuldeep and Jadeja highlights the importance of spin bowling in English conditions, where wrist spinners have historically found success. He believes that Kuldeep's variations and ability to extract turn can be a potent weapon, especially in the second innings when the pitch tends to wear and offer more assistance to spinners. Including both Kuldeep and Jadeja would provide the Indian team with a well-rounded spin attack, capable of exploiting any assistance from the surface.
Ravindra Jadeja's inclusion is almost certain due to his all-round abilities. Jadeja's valuable contributions with the bat lower down the order add crucial depth to the batting lineup. His left-arm orthodox spin provides control and accuracy, making him a vital asset in containing the opposition's scoring rate. Jadeja's experience and composure in pressure situations make him a reliable performer in Test matches.
Kuldeep Yadav's case is strengthened by the historical success of wrist spinners in England. Shane Warne, for example, has demonstrated the effectiveness of wrist spin in those conditions. Kuldeep's ability to turn the ball both ways and his deceptive variations can trouble even the most accomplished batsmen. His inclusion would provide a different dimension to India's bowling attack and make it more versatile.
The pitches at Headingley can be conducive to spin bowling, particularly as the match progresses. The dry conditions often result in wear and tear on the surface, creating opportunities for spinners to exploit the rough and generate turn. Given these conditions, playing two specialist spinners could prove to be a strategic masterstroke for India.
Former Indian bowling coach Bharat Arun has also supported the idea of including Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI, emphasizing the potential of wrist spin in England. Arun believes that Kuldeep's skills can be particularly effective, especially when there is some dampness in the wicket initially. He also highlighted the importance of a five-bowler strategy to ensure that the team has enough firepower to take 20 wickets, which is essential for winning Test matches abroad.
While the final decision rests with the team management, Harbhajan Singh's recommendation carries significant weight, given his extensive experience and understanding of the game. The inclusion of both Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja would undoubtedly bolster India's chances of success in the first Test against England at Leeds.
