While the entire drama and conversation has revolved around Rohit Sharma’s future, there’s a series to be won for Team India. The long UK tour is about to end and it all depends on the third one-day international. The iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground will host the third ODI, with the series 1-1 after Joe Root’s exceptional 99* won England the last ODI. India dearly missed a wicket-taking option there in the middle overs. Now, with Washington Sundar ruled out of the final ODI, there are huge chances that Kuldeep Yadav plays on July 19.
Why do India need Kuldeep Yadav?
India no longer pick Kuldeep Yadav in T20I squads. That’s understandable as they might look at quicker bowlers and more defensive options. However, Kuldeep, despite being part of both ODI and Test teams, doesn’t get to play all the games. You can ask any other international side, and they would happily want a quality player like Kuldeep. His guile, mastery and the uniqueness of being a left-arm wrist spinner are just superb to watch. Kuldeep may take some time to get into rhythm, but when he is on song, it is almost impossible to negate him.
Hence, it is quite pertinent for Team India to include him in the mix. However, the current Gautam Gambhir-led management has shied away from playing Kuldeep all the games. This is because the UP-based spinner doesn’t offer much with the bat. Meanwhile, the Indian management want as deep of a batting lineup as they can, with a player coming at eight who should be able to score runs. That’s why India opted to go with Sundar, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel in the first two ODIs.
| Venue | Inns | Wkts | BBI | Avg | Econ | SR | 4w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | 56 | 90 | 4/18 | 30.47 | 5.62 | 32.5 | 3 |
| Away | 43 | 77 | 6/25 | 22.33 | 4.69 | 28.5 | 6 |
| Neutral | 19 | 27 | 5/25 | 29.03 | 4.36 | 39.8 | 0 |
Now, with Sundar out of the equation due to an injury, Kuldeep’s way in the playing XI is clearer. Yes, he’ll slot in at number eight but with that India’s bowling will be strengthened quite a bit. You’ll have the boss Jasprit Bumrah, the exciting pace duo of Prasidh Krishna and Gurnoor Brar alongside Axar, who has bowled superbly so far in the series. Add Kuldeep and you’ll have perhaps the best bowling repertoire to solidify the chances to win the series.
India’s Predicted Playing XI vs England for 3rd ODI
- Rohit Sharma
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
- KL Rahul/Ishan Kishan (WK)
- Shivam Dube
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Gurnoor Brar
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Prasidh Krishna
Cricket
Washington Sundar's loss is Kuldeep Yadav's gain as Shubman Gill waits for KL Rahul at Lord's
