“If Bumrah isn’t available, it’s a big blow, but it doesn’t seem like that with Kuldeep Yadav” – Sanjay Manjrekar on India’s bowling for BGT 2024-25

Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar feels Kuldeep Yadav unavailability for the Border-Gavaskar trophy isn’t a big blow for the Indian team. Indian selectors have picked the spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar for the Australia Tests.

Yadav has been referred to The BCCI Centre of Excellence after the end of the ongoing Test series against New Zealand for long term resolution of his chronic left groin issue.

Manjrekar observed that it would have been a huge blow for the Indian team had Jasprit Bumrah missed out on the Australia tour but it is not same with Kuldeep Yadav.

“Everyone realizes Kuldeep Yadav’s value even more on good pitches. It’s a setback for sure but the interesting thing with Kuldeep Yadav is that he is an extremely capable spinner but plays less for India. So when he isn’t available, it’s not a big blow,” Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports’ show Follow the Blues.

“In comparison, if Bumrah isn’t available, it’s a big blow, but it doesn’t seem like that with Kuldeep Yadav because Indian cricket has almost gotten slightly used to not playing him or playing without him,” the former India batter added.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav was dropped in the second Test match against New Zealand as Washington Sundar replaced him in the playing XI. Sundar was able to justify his selection as he scalped 11 wickets in the match but India suffered a 113-run loss.

On the other hand, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel have picked five fast bowlers in Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Harshit Rana, and Prasidh Krishna for the Australia tour. Manjrekar reckons the bowling attack has become slightly complicated as it isn’t the most formidable.

“It’s gotten slightly complicated because if you choose three seamers, (Mohammed) Siraj, (Jasprit) Bumrah and anyone among Akash Deep, Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna, you feel the seam bowling is not looking that strong. However, you have got three good spin-bowling options,” he replied.

The cricketer-turned-commentator reckons India might still back two spinners in the playing XI even if they play on seam friendly pitches in Australia.

“Kuldeep Yadav isn’t there but you have Washington Sundar, who performed very well in India, and then experienced bowlers in Ashwin and Jadeja. So even if it’s a seam-friendly pitch, I feel India might be tempted to play two spinners. If they have to play four seamers, I think Nitish Reddy will come into the team like Shardul Thakur,” Manjrekar observed.

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.