Former England spinner Monty Panesar has urged India to rethink their bowling combination ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston, backing Kuldeep Yadav as the game-changer they need on a pitch likely to favour spin.
After India’s crushing five-wicket defeat in Leeds — where Ben Duckett’s sublime 149 anchored England’s record chase of 371 — questions have emerged over team selection, particularly the inclusion of seam-bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur.
Panesar, who played a key role in England’s memorable 2012 Test series win in India, believes the time is ripe to bring in left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whose impressive Test record—56 wickets in 13 matches at a stellar average of 22.16 — makes a compelling case.
“At Edgbaston, India could probably play (Ravindra) Jadeja and actually go for the X-factor spinner in Kuldeep Yadav,” Panesar told reporters. “That wicket does offer a bit of turn, and Kuldeep brings something special.”
By contrast, Thakur had a muted outing at Leeds, sending down just 16 overs for two wickets at the cost of 89 runs and offering little with the bat. His overall Test numbers — 33 wickets in 12 matches at an average nearing 30 — further pale beside Kuldeep’s.
Panesar emphasised that Kuldeep doesn’t require spin-friendly conditions to trouble batters.
“He doesn’t need turning tracks. This IPL showed that even without exaggerated turn, he can bowl tight, testing lines. That makes life difficult for even top-quality batters.”
As for Shardul’s role, Panesar was blunt: “If Thakur is only going to bowl six to eight overs a day and not give you a consistent 15, there’s really no point in playing him.”
When asked whether Kuldeep should replace Jadeja, Panesar leaned towards a dual-spin strategy instead.
“Jadeja bowls too quickly to really threaten. Kuldeep brings more of an attacking threat, but he can go the distance if not backed by someone who can contain. That’s where Jadeja fits in — as the defensive option — so Kuldeep can go hunting,” he explained.
Panesar concluded that India might finally need to embrace an attacking spin approach in English conditions that aren’t swinging or seaming as they used to.
“Play both. Let Jadeja hold one end, and let Kuldeep loose. It’s time India tapped into the X-factor Kuldeep offers.”
The second Test at Edgbaston begins this Friday, and all eyes will be on India’s playing XI — will they back convention, or dare to spin it differently?
