New Delhi: The decision by the Indian team management and skipper Rohit Sharma to exclude Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test against New Zealand and include pacer Akash Deep and Washington Sundar in his place has sparked a debate. Former India players like Sunil Gavaskar and Sanjay Manjrekar among others have offered contrasting views, with some in favour of the decision and some against it.
Sanjay Manjrekar has defended the decision supporting the inclusion of in-form pacer Akash Deep and finger-spinner Washington Sundar for the must-win Test match for India. He said that taken the condition of the Pune pitch into consideration, a traditional spine bowler like Kuldeep was not necessary as the pitch will provide assistance for a bowler like Sundar to a much bigger extent. The former Indian player’s tweet mentions that Akash Deep’s recent form justified his selection while Sundar’s selection is based on the conditions in Pune.
Here’s what Manjrekar wrote
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Common sense selection. In-form seamer in. When pitch is offering a lot, you don’t need an artiste like Kuldeep, a tall, quick, finger spinner will do. 👍#INDvNZ
— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) October 24, 2024
What Sunil Gavaskar said
Meanwhile, Sunil Gavaskar has expressed his disappointment, calling Sundar’s selection as a sign of panic. The veteran Indian player felt that the inclusion of Sundar is more about thinking of the lower-order batting than focusing on the bowling attack. Gavaskar suggested that Kuldeep would have been a better option as he possesses the ability to turn the ball away from the left-handers and his record against the Kiwis is also good.
Meanwhile, Ravichandran Ashwin proved his mettle once again in the longest format by picking three crucial wickets to dent the visiting side on the first day at the MCA stadium. India would be aiming to win the game so as to keep the series alive.
