Former Indian keeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has asserted that the wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav needs to be a part of the playing XI for the two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which is scheduled to start on Saturday, August 15, in Galle.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the former cricketer has expressed his disappointment over Kuldeep not making it to the XI in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against England, which India lost by 1-2.
Nevertheless, the former Indian cricketer requested the Indian team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, to pick Kuldeep in the starting XI for the forthcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka.
“Kuldeep Yadav has to be in the playing XI, has to be. I was expecting him to be in the playing XI for that third ODI against England at Lord’s. Not only me, but a lot of the others were expecting him to be seen. Unfortunately, those making the team did not see him, that is a different issue,” Dasgupta said on his YouTube channel.
Furthermore, Dasgupta also suggested India keep their options open regarding fielding spinners in their side, adding that the Indian team should go ahead with three or more spinners in the playing XI.
“I think it is a good squad, based on the conditions there are more spinners than seamers. So, there is an opportunity to play with even four spinners, because it has happened in the past as well, where both Sri Lanka and their opposition have walked out with four spinners. So, I think it was important to have that extra spin bowling option in the squad,” Dasgupta said.
“I think the squad was along expected lines, to be fair. Ideally, Washington Sundar would have been the first-choice off-spinner, but he is not there because of injury. I can’t think of any name that should have been in the squad, but is not there,” he concluded.
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