Team India left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to miss out on selection for the fourth Test against England, set to commence on Wednesday, July 23, at Old Trafford in Manchester. According to reports, Kuldeep is likely to remain on the bench for the next match in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series.

India have opted for extra batting depth in recent Tests. Nitish Kumar Reddy was included in the playing XI for the matches at Edgbaston and Lord’s. However, Reddy has been ruled out of the upcoming match due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav has not played a single game in the ongoing Test series.

Debate Grows Over Kuldeep Yadav’s Continued Exclusion Despite His Record

There has been debate over Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from India’s playing XI in the ongoing series, especially given his impressive record in the format. The wrist-spinner has played only 13 Tests since his debut in 2017. He has taken 56 wickets at an average of 22.16, including four five-wicket hauls.

India have fielded all-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, leaving Kuldeep, a specialist spinner, on the bench. With the team in a must-win situation in the fourth Test, many former players and experts have called for Kuldeep’s inclusion.

They argue that India needs to be bold with their selections and bring in a genuine wicket-taking option like Kuldeep to strengthen their bowling attack against the Ben Stokes-led team.

Kuldeep Yadav Likely to Miss Out on India’s Playing XI Again in Fourth Test

Kuldeep Yadav is likely to be left out of India’s playing XI once again for the fourth Test against England. According to a report by Cricblogger, team combination limitations are expected to keep the left-arm wrist-spinner on the bench.

There is no feasibility of fielding three spinners in English conditions, and the current strategy prioritizes a more balanced attack over spin-heavy options.

“You can’t play three spinners in England, can you?” a source asked.

India to Consider Test Debut for Pacer Anshul Kamboj in Fourth Match

The report added that India are considering handing a Test debut to pacer Anshul Kamboj in the fourth match against England. Head coach Gautam Gambhir has been closely working with Kamboj in the nets, which indicates he is seriously being considered for the playing XI.

“Medium-pace all-rounder Anshul Kamboj could make his Test debut in the fourth Test against England at Old Trafford,” sources close to CricBlogger confirmed on Tuesday.

The team management is leaning towards a five-bowler strategy to maintain consistent pressure throughout the match. Kamboj could join a bowling unit that includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar.

Karun Nair is likely to be given another chance despite a poor run of form. There’s also a possibility that India could field both Rishabh Pant and Dhruv Jurel to strengthen the lower order and manage Pant’s workload as wicketkeeper. Sai Sudharsan remains in contention for a spot in the XI.

Also read: BCCI loses faith in Gautam Gambhir, Anshul Kamboj inducted after MS Dhoni’s approval