Should India play Kuldeep Yadav in the 3rd Test?

India managed to level the five-match Test series against England at 1-1 after their resounding 336-run win at Edgbaston, Birmingham, last week. England will be looking to bounce back strongly when they take on Shubman Gill and Co. at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in the third Test, beginning on Thursday, July 10.

Before the start of the series, fans and experts were hoping to see Kuldeep Yadav play a pivotal role as India’s specialist spinner against England. However, he wasn’t picked in the side for the first two Tests, and during the toss at Edgbaston, captain Shubman Gill mentioned that Kuldeep had to miss out because India wanted more depth in the batting department. The experienced Ravindra Jadeja has played both Tests, while fellow spin-bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar made his maiden appearance on the tour at Edgbaston.

Kuldeep is still waiting to get a crack at the England batters. He has only played 13 Tests, having made his debut in the longest format of the game way back in 2017. After Ravichandran Ashwin’s retirement in the middle of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25, it was expected that Kuldeep would get more games. However, that has not been the case for the Uttar Pradesh spinner so far.

Now, the question is whether Kuldeep will get his chance to showcase his skills at the Home of Cricket in the third Test. However, this seems unlikely as reports suggest that the pitch for the Lord’s Test is going to favour the fast bowlers. In this scenario, India might even contemplate playing four specialist fast bowlers, leaving out either Washington Sundar or Nitish Kumar Reddy, with Arshdeep Singh likely to get his maiden Test cap.

It is going to be a huge surprise if Kuldeep does make it to the playing XI. However, he could get his opportunity in the last two Test matches, which will be played at the Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester and the Kennington Oval in London.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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