Navjot Singh Sidhu believes India should make no changes to their playing XI for the 2024 T20 World Cup match against the United States of America in New York on Wednesday, June 12. However, he agreed that Kuldeep Yadav may be an appealing alternative if the Men in Blue do not require batting depth against the USA.
India’s first two group games in the 2018 T20 World Cup featured the same playing lineup. Kuldeep, Yuzvendra Chahal, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Sanju Samson are the four players yet to play a game.
During a conversation on Star Sports, Navjot Singh Sidhu was questioned if India should experiment against the United States by giving Jaiswal or Samson a chance or bringing in Kuldeep.
“There is no need for any experimentation when you have the winning habit and rhythm. If it ain’t broke, don’t mend it. Many times an arrow is flying and you take it on your back. There is no need for that because you have a combination.”
“The biggest jigsaw is to fit the combination. Team combination is different, different blocks and you have fit those blocks. You have that combination. Yes, you can do one thing, if you don’t want batting from your two spinners against USA, you can bring in Kuldeep Yadav.”
Navjot Singh Sidhu
India has chosen to deploy a trio of specialist seamers namely Jasprit Bumrah Arshdeep Singh and Mohammed Siraj alongside the versatile seambowling allrounder Hardik Pandya in the opening matches. Adding to their arsenal spinbowling allrounders Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel have been entrusted to bolster the batting depth of the team.
“It can happen that you say he can come in place of Axar” – Navjot Singh Sidhu on Kuldeep Yadav
Navjot Sidhu remarked that Kuldeep Yadav’s trajectory makes him an appealing alternative, and that India should consider playing him in lieu of Axar Patel.
“You (the batters) are playing balls that are coming straight but either Kuldeep or Yuzi (Yuzvendra) Chahal delivers the balls above eye level. So it can happen that you say he (Kuldeep) can come in place of Axar (Patel).”
Navjot Singh Sidhu
However, the cricketer-turned-commentator admitted that Axar’s outstanding performance against Pakistan might put Rohit Sharma and the team management in a difficult situation.
“However, Axar performed splendidly in the last match. So it is a dilemma. It is very easy for the captain because it’s a problem of plenty. It’s a sweet predicament. India have all four aces. How will you lose?”
Navjot Singh Sidhu
India are unlikely to drop Axar from their starting lineup following his all-round performance against the Men in Green. Ravindra Jadeja, who was bowled for a golden duck in that game, may have to make way if they are to pitch a wrist-spinner.