- July 31, 2025
Let’s be honest—watching India’s pace attack this series has felt like a rollercoaster ride. We’ve had peak thrills (hello, Akash Deep at Birmingham) and a few dips (sigh, Prasidh Krishna at Birmingham again). Now, with the fifth and final Test of the England series upon us, former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has come in swinging—not with the bat, but with a mic drop: “We’ve seen enough of Prasidh Krishna.”
Arshdeep Singh: India’s Left-Arm Answer Waiting in the Wings
Let’s simplify this. India has not called upon left-arm pacers since Jaydev Unadkat’s brief stint. The left-arm angle is what Arshdeep Singh brings, and more importantly, the control and temperament that scream, “I am ready for Test cricket.”
Okay, so he hasn’t played a red-ball game at the international level, but the way he’s performed in domestic and limited-overs cricket, you can see a bowler who knows how to hit the length and swing the ball both ways. Compare that to Prasidh Krishna, who has only six wickets in two Tests in this series, and he’s looked flat for extended spells: His 1/89 at Birmingham was more like a net session for England than a threat.
Kuldeep Over Shardul: A Spin Move That Makes Sense
Let’s face it, Shardul’s utility has always been about being a bits-and-pieces player. He can swing the bat and chip in with the ball. But in high-stakes overseas Tests, you want specialists. Kuldeep brings variety to the attack as a wrist-spinner—something England’s middle order might not enjoy after facing a steady diet of finger spin and seam.
Despite not playing much in England (just one Test back in 2018), Kuldeep’s red-ball improvements are clear. He was effective against New Zealand at home and could be a real handful on a dry oval track, especially if the Test stretches into Day 4 or 5.
India’s Bowling Puzzle: Picking the Right Three
India’s pace combination becomes even more complicated with Bumrah’s fitness still up in the air. Mohammed Siraj is a lock, but who will partner him? It is likely Akash Deep plays – not sure if he is 100% fit, but India does not have many options.
Manjrekar seemed to have doubts about Akash’s reliability; he saw Akash go from a 10-wicket haul in the second Test to very little in the third Test. It’s hard to say right now whether the team management will give Arshdeep a chance.
Prasidh, He’s had enough of a run – he may be tall and quick, but too often inaccurate or ineffective and beaten after long spells. If this is a horses-for-courses decision, then Arshdeep has a style that will suit the Oval much better.
So, we are in a position of a vital Test, tied series, and a World Test Championship in their sights. Manjrekar’s comments are not just a critique; they also offer a vision for brave decisions. Invest in Arshdeep. Stick with Kuldeep.
Will India leap into the unknown, or fall back on their traditional ways? That is the million-dollar question. But if change is on the horizon, it might as well be now, at The Oval, with a debut and a fresh start!
What do you think—should India go with potential over experience in the final Test? Or is it too risky when the series is on the line? Let’s talk cricket in the comments!
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