Former English spinner Monty Panesar believes ace spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in India’s XI for their second Test against England in the present five-match series. He justified Kuldeep’s inclusion in the mix by citing Edgbaston’s generally spin-friendly nature, particularly in light of India’s five-wicket setback at Headingley.
Referring to Kuldeep’s IPL 2025 performance for the Delhi Capitals (15 wickets in 13 innings at an economy rate of only 7.07), Panesar underlined the unorthodox spinner’s ability to trouble hitters even when the ground provides little return for the ball to turn.
“At Edgbaston, India may possibly play (Ravindra) Jadeja and the X-factor spinner, Kuldeep Yadav. We know that the Edgbaston wicket turns a little bit. So, you have that X-factor, which I believe is a superior alternative. There is something about him. He doesn’t need to turn tracks. This IPL demonstrated that, even without an extreme spin, he can deliver harsh lines that make life difficult for hitters,” Panesar told The Hindu.
The former English spinner believed Kuldeep could replace either Shardul Thakur or Ravindra Jadeja in the XI since he is slower through the air than the senior Jadeja and has the X-factor to thrive on surfaces with favourable conditions.
“If Shardul Thakur only bowls six to eight overs and does not offer you 15 overs in a day, there is no purpose in playing him. I believe they should play Kuldeep since he possesses more of an X element. There is something about him. Jadeja bowls too fast. So I believe they should put in Kuldeep Yadav instead of Jadeja. “He becomes the primary attacking option,” he explained.
Jadeja can be the defensive person, while Kuldeep will be the aggressive guy. Monty Panesar
Panesar promptly dismissed the idea that India would play only one spinner in their lineup. He believed they could progress by replacing Kuldeep with Shardul.
“I just don’t think India will go with that because they prefer defensive spinners.” They can then employ Kuldeep because he cannot defend. He only attacks. So if he goes the distance, they’re in serious trouble. So I believe they will probably play two spinners. Jadeja can then take the defensive role. “And then Kuldeep will be the attacking guy,” said the former cricketer.
As Monty noted, Edgbaston is one of those English tracks that has traditionally been good for spinners. Spinners have taken 78 wickets in 12 Tests since 2010, an average of 40.02, which is significantly higher than at other venues.
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