Former India Star Calls for Thakur's Removal, Kuldeep's Inclusion for Second Test After Headingley Loss

Former Cricketer Urges India to Drop Pacer for Second Test After Defeat

Following India's defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar is advocating for a strategic shift in the team's bowling strategy. Manjrekar suggests that Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, should replace Shardul Thakur in the lineup for the second Test. This change aims to bolster India's bowling attack, which struggled to contain England's batsmen during their successful chase of 371 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja faced criticism after the first Test.

While Jasprit Bumrah's impressive five-wicket haul in the first innings provided a glimmer of hope, the other pace bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, failed to create significant breakthroughs. This lack of penetration allowed England to secure a victory with five wickets in hand.

"Kuldeep Yadav has to come back," Manjrekar stated on 'Match Centre Live'. "I'm sorry to say, but Shardul Thakur has to go out. That is one change India will have to make... If that means playing two spinners, so be it. Pick your best bowlers, irrespective of the conditions... I'd go one seamer short and bring Kuldeep into the XI. He has to play."

Manjrekar highlighted the evolving nature of English conditions, noting that drier summers are increasingly conducive to spin bowling.

"Let's also acknowledge that English summers these days are largely dry – thanks to global warming, perhaps – and that does open the door for spin. In a way, it's time to reintroduce the idea of India playing spin in England... India need to embrace the same clarity."

He further emphasized the importance of selecting the best bowlers, regardless of conventional wisdom about English pitches favoring seamers.

"There was a time when India would play three spinners no matter what — whether in New Zealand or England. If Kuldeep is in your squad, play him. Don't go with seamers just because you're playing in England. I'd drop one seamer and bring in Kuldeep Yadav."

Shardul Thakur's place in the team is under scrutiny.

Criticism of Jadeja's Performance

Manjrekar also voiced his expectations for Ravindra Jadeja, a seasoned player, to have a greater impact.

"It's not fair to be overly critical of younger players... But I am going to be critical of Ravindra Jadeja. This was a final-day pitch with rough patches for him to exploit... we have to expect more from someone of his experience."

He elaborated on Jadeja's perceived shortcomings in utilizing the pitch conditions to his advantage. "I felt he didn't use the rough nearly enough — especially against Ben Duckett... Somewhere, I felt Jadeja was disappointing. The seamers had no help from the surface — but Jadeja at least had something in the pitch working in his favour."