Former Indian head coach and commentator Ravi Shastri has expressed his disappointment over the Indian team not including the wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the first ODI against England, on Tuesday, July 14.
Speaking exclusively on the Sony Sports Network, Shastri has revealed that Harry Brook, at the toss, reckoned that it could spin later on in the innings. However, England spinner Adil Rashid failed to create an impact in the game, returning with 0/34 in 5.2 overs.
“Even I was a bit surprised because when I did the toss, and I heard Harry Brook say that he wants to bat first because he thinks it might spin later on, if he is saying that it might spin, then our wrist spinner can also turn the ball. If anyone spins the ball, it will be a wrist spinner,” Ravi Shastri told Sony Sports Network.
Furthermore, Shastri has also insisted that the Indian team management, headed by Gautam Gambhir, should support Kuldeep in the XI with the mega event lined-up next year. He went on to add that having too many batters in the line-up wouldn’t help in a big chase.
“Adil Rashid has given us trouble, aur Kuldeep ko toh khilaana hi hai, usko jitna game usko khila sakte ho, khilao usko (We have to play Kuldeep at all costs, give him as many games as possible), because in South Africa, he has got a good record, he will get some bounce there. The better his confidence gets, the better it will be for Team India. Now that Chahal is not there, they can play Kuldeep in the playing XI. How much batting depth do you want? Till No 9, No 10? Even that much depth won’t help in a big chase,” he added.
India will next take on England in the second ODI at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff on Thursday, July 16.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!
