Kuldeep Yadav deserves a spot in final Test, says Parthiv Patel

Former wicketkeeper-batter Parthiv Patel has backed the inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in India’s bowling line-up for the fifth and final Test against England, beginning Thursday at The Oval.

Despite being part of the squad throughout the England tour, Kuldeep is yet to break into the playing XI, with India opting for a line-up packed with bowling all-rounders. Now trailing 1-2 in the five-match series, India face a must-win situation in the final game to level the series.

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“India should approach selection the way they’ve approached their batting — with confidence. If Bumrah isn’t available, India will need another attacking bowler. In the current bowling mix, Kuldeep Yadav offers that attacking edge as a wicket-taker.

“So from that perspective, I believe India should find a way to include him. Whether it happens or not, I’m not sure — but my opinion is that Kuldeep Yadav should definitely play,” said Patel on JioHotstar.

With growing chances of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah being rested for the fifth Test to manage his workload, Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the Indian pace attack. Siraj has played all four Tests in the series so far, sending down a total of 139 overs.

“We tend to take Mohammed Siraj for granted. The effort he puts in, the intensity, and the smile he wears — no matter the match situation — that’s commendable. As for Bumrah, we’re all aware of how carefully his workload is being managed.

“It was announced at the press conference that he would play only three Tests, so there are a lot of factors to consider — recovery, fitness, workload. But I would personally want to see him play the final one. Hopefully, the support staff travelling with the team can help him recover in time,” added Patel.

Hailing skipper Shubman Gill’s performance with the bat during the series, Patel said he is hopeful that the 25-year-old will continue his momentum in the crucial fifth Test. In four matches so far, Gill has amassed 722 runs, including four centuries, at an average of 90.25. The right-hander is just 11 runs shy of surpassing Sunil Gavaskar’s record for the most runs scored in a Test series as an Indian captain.

“Everyone would want him to maintain the kind of form he has shown. There were a lot of questions raised earlier in the series — about his struggles in overseas conditions, where he wasn’t getting runs or converting starts. But he has answered all those questions brilliantly. Hopefully, he continues this momentum.