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With India trailing 2-1 in the gripping five-match Test series against England, all eyes are now on the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester which will start on July 23.
India 2-1 behind England in Anderson-Tendulkar trophy
The Shubman Gill-led side suffered an early blow with a five-wicket loss at Headingley but bounced back in dramatic fashion with a statement win at Edgbaston. At Lord’s, they came agonizingly close to victory, only to see their hopes dashed in the final session of Day 5 following Mohammed Siraj’s unfortunate dismissal. As the series hangs in the balance, India are expected to make key changes to strengthen their XI, especially with Jasprit Bumrah likely to opt out from the fourth game, having been slated for just three matches in the series. Meanwhile, middle-order batter Karun Nair may find himself out of the playing XI due to poor returns with the bat. Now ahead of the fourth Test of Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, during a recent interview with RevSportz Global ahead of the Manchester Test, former India captain and selector Dilip Vengsarkar advocated for bold changes in India’s bowling unit.
Dilip Vengsarkar’s bold suggestions for India’s bowling unit in Manchester Test
When asked about his preferred combination, Vengsarkar named Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav as must-picks, citing their suitability to English conditions and match-winning potential.
“I would pick Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav. Arshdeep is a good left-arm bowler who can move the ball in the air and off the wicket, which is crucial in English conditions. He can also reverse swing the ball, which is important. I have seen him bowl,” Vengsarkar said.
Vengsarkar recommended dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy to accommodate Arshdeep, while also suggesting Washington Sundar could make way for Kuldeep.
“I would drop Nitish Reddy and perhaps one more player to make room for Arshdeep. I think Siraj and Bumrah should keep their places, but Reddy could make way. Kuldeep Yadav could also replace someone like Washington Sundar. You need five bowlers in a Test match to win it. If your six batters can’t put up a good total, the bowlers need to take responsibility. You can’t win a Test match with part-time bowlers,” the former Indian cricketer noted.
Vengsarkar further emphasized the importance of a strong bowling unit in English conditions and backed the combination of Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep and Kuldeep as capable of securing a win, provided the batting unit steps up.
“You definitely need five bowlers, and Kuldeep Yadav could be a good option if the conditions support spin. With Bumrah, Siraj and Arshdeep, plus a spinner like Kuldeep, India would have the right mix of bowlers. They can win with this combination, but the batters must take responsibility,” Vengsarkar concluded.
With the fourth Test set to begin soon and the series on the line, the Indian team management faces a tough call, whether to stay loyal to the current line-up or embrace the tactical changes proposed by one of India’s most respected cricketing minds.
