Mumbai, August 23: The second and final Test match between India and Sri Lanka is set to take place in Colombo this Sunday. Ahead of this decisive match, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar believes that the team management’s decision to include an off-spinner instead of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav would be a “sensible” move, given that the host team relies heavily on left-handed batsmen.
In the first Test held in Galle, Sri Lanka faced a defeat against India by 165 runs. However, their four main left-handed batsmen scored a significant 300 runs out of a total of 465 runs across both innings, accounting for nearly 64.5 percent of the team’s runs.
In contrast, India fielded three left-arm spinners in their playing eleven, with Kuldeep Yadav managing to take just one wicket for 103 runs in 25 overs. The inclusion of off-spin bowling all-rounder Saransh Jain suggests that if the pitch in Colombo turns out to be very dry, the Indian team might give him a chance to debut.
Manjrekar stated in a video posted on his Instagram account on Saturday, “If India plays an off-spinner instead of Kuldeep Yadav, it makes sense as it would enhance the spin combination. In the last Test, when two left-handed batsmen came together, having three left-arm spinners created some issues, and we saw that left-handed batsmen scored runs against India.”
He further elaborated, “Therefore, if an off-spinner comes in and a left-arm spinner is dropped, it will make the Indian spin attack more effective due to added variety. In Test matches, having an off-spinner, especially with DRS and other factors, is something the team needs.”
Acknowledging the possibility of Kuldeep being left out despite his talent, Manjrekar advised that if he remains in the playing eleven, he should adjust his bowling trajectory and speed. He remarked, “Kuldeep Yadav might be left out, which is unfortunate because that has been the story of his career. The management might think, ‘Let’s give Kuldeep a chance and boost his confidence.’ However, Kuldeep must also reflect on his performance in the last Test and how he bowled. There have been many questions about his speed and flight in recent years; the ball hasn’t been coming off the pitch quickly enough. He has focused on bowling fast and flat, yet the ball still isn’t coming off the pitch quickly.”
He advised Kuldeep not to rush his bowling action, saying, “I believe Kuldeep should not completely change his style and should not become entirely different from what he was. He should still attempt to bowl slower deliveries. Occasionally, he should bowl at speeds of 70 or 80 kilometers per hour, keeping the line outside off stump instead of middle stump, and if he plays, he should give the ball a bit of flight. If he bowls at that line, with slower flight in the speed range of 75 to 85, outside off stump, I guarantee he will take at least three wickets every innings. So, we hope he gets a chance, but if not, it can be understood. However, if he does get a chance, he must change his bowling approach from the last Test.”
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