Harbhajan Singh Supports Kuldeep Yadav in Playing XI as India Fights Against England Test Series

India is going through a challenging time in the current Test series against England. Following three encounters in the five-match series India is behind 1-2 with a win and two defeats. The recent loss at Lord's has questioned several issues regarding the team's selection and performance of certain players. The squad brought in three changes following the first loss and just one anticipated change following the second match win. Fans and experts now are awaiting the fourth Test thinking whether there will be further changes to the playing XI. The player whose name has come to the forefront is Kuldeep Yadav who is present in the team but hasn't played a single game in the series till now.

Ex-India cricketer Harbhajan Singh has strictly recommended that the Indian team management include Kuldeep Yadav for the upcoming Test match. He believes that Kuldeep can be a game changer particularly against the aggressive English batting line-up. Harbhajan is of the view that left-arm spinner who can turn the ball both ways has the potential to trouble England batsmen who are fond of playing attacking shots. He mentioned that such a bowler can be utilized wisely even post the new ball spell and could pick important wickets when nothing else is clicking. Harbhajan had previously demanded Kuldeep's inclusion prior to the Lord's Test as well as the Birmingham Test but his idea was not given serious consideration.

According to Harbhajan the present combination of the team has not been as good as hoped for and one of the weak points is all rounder Nitish Reddy. Nitish was brought into the playing XI after the first Test in place of Shardul Thakur but he has not been able to make any difference in both the second and third matches. Harbhajan believes that Nitish has not done anything special to hold on to his position and Kuldeep should be given a chance. He also specifically stated that if he was captain he would replace Nitish and include Kuldeep straight away for the next match.

Kuldeep was not the only one he discussed regarding some players who are under the spotlight. He expressed support for young top-order batter Sai Sudharsan who was excluded after the first Test. Sai performed poorly in the first game but Harbhajan believes that a young player like him should have been given more opportunities. He called Sai an extremely able batter and stated that he would have supported him a little more instead of dropping him after playing a single game.

Another name being rumoured is Karun Nair. Karun played all three Tests till now but hasn't put up a serious show. His scores in the series are 0 20 31 26 40 and 14 which indicate that he has failed to capitalize on his starts with a big score. Since the team hasn't been able to put up consistent totals the onus is now on Karun to perform or give way to someone else. His position in the team is contested and many feel that the management may think of a change in the middle order as well.

Team India has already arrived in Manchester for the fourth Test to be held at Old Trafford. There is an increasing hope that team management will revisit the playing combination and perhaps implement the changes being proposed by former cricketers and cricket pundits. Kuldeep Yadav's name remains at the forefront of that group as one who can add a new dimension to the bowling ranks. His two-way action makes him difficult to anticipate and can be of great use in English conditions where change is usually rewarded.

With the series hanging in balance and India behind by a single game all decisions will be vital. The team has not been steady and although the bowlers have done their part in patches the batting line-up has not come together. The addition of a wicket taking bowler such as Kuldeep would provide some equilibrium and provide India with an upper hand particularly if the pitch at Old Trafford provides turn. The fourth Test has the potential to be the game-changer in the series and India will have to be adventurous with their choices in order to remain in the mix.

The argument surrounding Nitish Reddy Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair points to the constant dilemma of selecting the correct partnership under duress. The English team, however, has been playing aggressive cricket and pushed India on to the back foot several times. If India wishes to turn around and make the series a decider in the last match then they are going to have to do it boldly. Heeding the words of veterans such as Harbhajan Singh could be the move that turns everything around.

As eagerly the fans wait for the announcement of the team, the demand for Kuldeep Yadav increases. Whether the management heeds it this time or sticks to what it has been doing till now shall be seen in the near future. What is certain though is that India requires something extraordinary to rescue the situation in the series and providing Kuldeep an opportunity may prove to be it.