The team for the first two test matches against the Aussies: Rohit Sharma as captain, KL Rahul as vice-captain, Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ishan Kishan (wk), KS Bharat (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Jaydev Unadkat, Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Umesh Yadav.
Even though no stones are unturned, some impending decisions keep cricket enthusiasts in a nail-biting situation. Who will be the openers is yet to be revealed.
Kuldeep Yadav’s return to the national team in all formats over the past year has earned him a spot in the squad and raises the possibility of him being included in India’s starting XI for the first test. As much as we need the best players to get their seats in the team, there are a few reasons why Kuldeep Yadav should make it in the playing 11 this time. We take a look at the pros and cons of his potential selection.
#1 Pros- Kuldeep Yadav is an aggressive bowler who is performing well
Kuldeep Yadav is an attacking bowler who is currently in great form. He has been a consistent performer in both international and domestic tournaments. Kuldeep Yadav is an integral part of the Indian team. He has been an important cog in the Indian bowling lineup for the past few years, and he has played a big role in India’s success in the limited overs format. His left-arm wrist spin and variations of googlies, wrong-uns and carom balls have been instrumental in bamboozling the opposition batsmen and will surely be an advantage to the team.
Australia, which comprises Warner and Head, is expected to play a daring brand of cricket. Kuldeep, who loves to loop the ball up and draw out shots, will be an ideal player for India to take wickets. Being at the apex of his abilities, the player is a genuine contender for a spot in India’s team for the first Test.
#2 Pros- The Australian cricket team is likely to be dominated by lefties
It is possible that Australia could have up to six left-handed batsmen among the first eight. Ashton Agar could be included to provide a change of pace with Nathan Lyon with his left-arm spin. Alex Carey is their first-choice wicketkeeper and should complete their top seven. David Warner and Usman Khawaja make up the opening combination, and Travis Head has performed well for the Kangaroos and is almost certain to be selected. Cameron Green is struggling to be ready for the first Test, so Matthew Renshaw might be chosen instead due to his previous experience in India and recent good form. Kuldeep Yadav can be a fine addition to the team to catalyse Ravichandran Ashwin’s potential to predominantly bowl left-handed batsmen.
#1 Cons- India’s finger-spinners are almost certain to stay in the team due to the depth and control they bring to the batting order
India is hoping that their spinners will provide batting depth and control. Jadeja, Ashwin, and Patel are all capable of supplying these qualities. Ashwin is the premier spin bowler in India and a renowned Test spinner across the globe, so there is no doubt he will be chosen. Even though Jadeja is making a comeback post his injury, he had a successful match against Tamil Nadu in the Ranji Trophy, and a remarkable history. It is difficult to think of India leaving out any of their three main spinners, and having four slow bowlers in the team would be too much even on a pitch with considerable spin. Therefore, Kuldeep Yadav may have to wait a while longer before taking the field.