- July 22, 2025
How much can you potentially throw away before a legitimate match-winner, sitting on the sidelines, costs you? That’s the question posed by Sanjay Manjrekar just before India’s critical 4th Test at Old Trafford. Kuldeep Yadav – India’s extraordinary left-arm wrist-spinner and recognised overseas weapon – hasn’t had a second on the park of a difficult series, and with India now 1-2 down, the heat, if not the frustration, is intensifying. You simply can’t afford to have a possible match-winner sitting on the bench when a series is on the line.
So, does Kuldeep finally get a chance, or does India repeat their mistakes with no changes? We’ll see.
Is It Time for Kuldeep or Still a Waiting Game?
Kuldeep Yadav’s situation is a curious case. Despite his proven skills, especially in conditions where wrist-spin can be lethal, he remains benched. Manjrekar’s recent comments highlight what many fans are already thinking — how long can India afford to keep him out? Especially when the current spin options, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja, haven’t exactly ripped through the opposition.
Sure, Sundar picked up four wickets in the second innings at Lord’s, but his all-round value seems to be the main reason for his retention. That’s fair, but cricket is often about horses for courses. Kuldeep’s ability to turn the ball both ways, deceive batters in the air, and offer variety is something no other spinner in the squad can replicate. In a Test that’s shaping up as do-or-die, is it time to take that risk for the potential of a greater reward?
Manjrekar seems to suggest that the team management needs to be “hardcore” about their selections — and frankly, he has a point. England’s batters have shown vulnerability to spin, and Kuldeep might just be the wildcard India needs to level the series.
The Fast-Bowling Conundrum: Fresh Legs or Familiar Faces?
Manjrekar wasn’t finished there; he also touched on India’s pace bowling combination, and specifically stated Akash Deep’s spot in the side after looking flat at Lord’s was also up for debate. I mean, we mustn’t forget that the young pacer would end up taking a neat 10 wickets during the second Test, but consistency is king in Test cricket.
That’s where someone like Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna comes in. As Arshdeep has been employed as a left-arm angle seam bowler and has previously played in County Cricket, if he does ultimately play, he may offer a ‘first’ to the seam attack. Also, the conditions may be in his favor since he hits the ball a lot, and Old Trafford has a good pitch that gives the ball bounce and maybe some side to side movement.
The Bigger Question: Is India Playing Too Safe?
Beyond individual selections, there’s a bigger theme emerging: Is India being too conservative in their team picks? When a series is on the line, bold calls often separate winners from also-rans. Manjrekar’s comments cut through the noise — he’s essentially urging India to shake things up, be proactive, and avoid the trap of playing it safe.
The countdown to the 4th Test is ticking, and India has some tough calls to make. Stick with the old formula or mix things up with Kuldeep and a fresh pacer? Either way, the team can’t afford to play on autopilot with the series at stake.
What would you do if you were in the selection committee — play safe or roll the dice with Kuldeep and a new seamer?
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