Rohit Sharma thrashed brutally after benching Kuldeep Yadav in Chennai Test vs Bangladesh

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has strongly reacted to the omission of the wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav from India’s playing XI for the ongoing opening Test of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh in Chennai on Thursday, September 19.

The Indian cricket team went with the five-bowler formula, featuring two spin specialists and three pacers for the first Test against the Bangladesh cricket team at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India’s line-up isn’t that surprising, but Kuldeep Yadav's omission raised many eyebrows.

Sanjay Manjrekar criticizes Kuldeep Yadav's omission from India's XI for the Chennai Test against Bangladesh

With Rohit Sharma at the helm of Team India, a blend of youth and experienced campaigners will challenge the Tigers in Chennai.

With Yashasvi Jaiswal opening with the Indian captain, Shubman Gill returned to the very crucial number three batting position, followed by experienced match-winners like Virat Kohli and KL Rahul.

Rishabh Pant has been picked as the wicketkeeper-batter, while Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin are leading the spin attack for India in the ongoing Chennai Test against Bangladesh. T

eam India’s pace attack has once again been led by the speedster Jasprit Bumrah, with Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep completing their strong XI.

After BCCI announced their playing XI for the ongoing Chennai Test, Sanjay Manjrekar expressed his bewilderment at how easily the Indian cricket team dropped Kuldeep Yadav from their line-up. Despite Kuldeep Yadav's proven skills and impactful performances, he often finds himself on the sidelines.

Manjrekar was visibly not happy with the team selections as the hosts went with only one spin specialist option in Ashwin, with the all-rounder Jadeja’s left-arm orthodox spin being only the other option.

Here's how Manjrekar expresses his disappointment:

Find it amazing how easily India drops a Kuldeep Yadav.#INDvBAN

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) September 19, 2024

The cricket pandit reflected a broader concern about how even talented players like Kuldeep Yadav can struggle to secure a permanent spot in the Indian team despite being a top-notch spinner.

It was very clear that Rohit and Rahul clicked together: Manjrekar

Earlier, Manjrekar pointed out that the chemistry between the captain and coach is crucial for the team’s success, using the examples of Kohli and Ravi Shastri as well as Rohit and Rahul Dravid. The commentator further emphasized how their strong relationships have significantly influenced and shaped their respective teams.

Manjrekar, as quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo: “It was very clear that Rohit and Rahul clicked together. When Virat and Ravi were there, some of the decisions, especially while picking the playing XI, gave you an idea of how much influence the coach had on the captain. I think you will start getting an idea about their dynamics with the selections that they make, not so much the results.”

Here are the Playing XIs for IND vs BAN first Test:

India XI: Rohit Sharma(c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj.

Bangladesh XI: Shafiul Islam, Zakir Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, Litton Das(w), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana.