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Team India’s journey in the red-ball English summer has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. After weeks of intense cricketing action, the series now heads to the fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. With India trailing 2-1, the match becomes a must-win to stay alive in the series. Among all the strategies being discussed on, one debate that stands out is the potential inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in place of Washington Sundar. Let’s explore three key reasons why Kuldeep must be in the playing XI for the fourth Test.
Here are 3 key reasons why Kuldeep Yadav should play ahead of Washington Sundar for the fourth Test:
1. Old Trafford’s assistance for spinners
Old Trafford has a well-known reputation for assisting spinners, particularly as the game moves into its latter stages. The pitch generally starts with some bounce for seamers, but by Day 4 turn and grip become prominent. Recent matches at this venue have reinforced the value of having a quality spinner who can exploit these wearing surfaces.
Kuldeep, with his ability to extract sharp turn and deceive set batsmen becomes a major asset on such surfaces. Several former selectors and experts have emphasized that Kuldeep’s bowling style is tailor-made for venues like Old Trafford, which have historically aided spinners, especially under dry and hot conditions typical in the England summer. Relying solely on finger-spin may not be enough to break partnerships, so an attacking wrist-spinner provides a critical point of difference.
2. Greater variation as a wrist spinner
Kuldeep brings a rare edge to the bowling attack with his left-arm wrist spin, offering variation and unpredictability. Unlike most finger-spinners, Kuldeep can turn the ball both ways, has a deceptive googly, and possesses the kind of skillset that English batters don’t encounter often in county or international cricket. His unorthodox angle and the ability to flight the ball tempt aggressive strokes, helping force mistakes even in defensive phases.
As opposition teams begin to put together detailed plans against familiar bowlers like Sundar, Kuldeep’s attacking mindset and unpredictable variations offer India a genuine wicket-taking option. This element of surprise and attacking capability is often the difference in tight contests, making Kuldeep ideally suited to breaking partnerships on a surface expected to take turn.
3. Significant international experience
Kuldeep’s international track record, particularly in white-ball formats, is far deeper than Sundar’s. With extensive experience against top teams in ICC tournaments and bilateral series, Kuldeep has repeatedly delivered under pressure. Although his red-ball appearances have been limited due to the presence of Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin, the quality of his performances is undeniable, he boasts a Test bowling average of 22, reflecting his ability to produce breakthroughs compared to Sundar’s more containing approach.
Furthermore, he has a proven record against England, picking up 21 wickets in just six Tests against them, including a match-winning five-wicket haul as recently as 2024. This wealth of experience on big occasions, combined with his success on English pitches in white-ball cricket, gives Kuldeep the composure India may need in a high-pressure Old Trafford encounter.
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