Sanjay Manjrekar exposes Gautam Gambhir's favoritism in Kuldeep Yadav's exclusion from India's playing XI

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar said that head coach Gautam Gambhir is likely the reason why Kuldeep Yadav has not featured in the first four Tests against England. Manjrekar stated that it’s time to bring the left-arm wrist-spinner back into the playing XI for the fifth and final Test at The Oval in London.

Kuldeep Yadav is expected to miss out once again in the final Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, starting Thursday, July 31, at The Oval. India have continued to back a pace-heavy attack supported by multiple all-rounders. Kuldeep is likely to return home without featuring in a single match of the series.

Kuldeep Yadav Will Have to Come Back - Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said that India may have gotten carried away with their focus on batting depth. Manjrekar stated that Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion could have made a significant impact at several moments during the series.

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"Sometimes you might think you get carried away with the batting form of batters because who could have thought that Washy could be a possible No. 5 in a Test match? And Jadeja as No. 6, almost batting like a pure batter," Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

"But India will have to start trusting their batting line-up despite Rishabh Pant not being a part of it. And Kuldeep Yadav will have to come back. There have been so many moments in this series where you would have imagined Kuldeep being part of the Indian bowling attack," he added.

You Might See Shardul Thakur Playing - Sanjay Manjrekar Hints at Gautam Gambhir’s Favoritism

Sanjay Manjrekar further added that Kuldeep should be included for the final Test in place of Shardul Thakur. However, he noted that reports suggest that Shardul might retain his spot due to Gautam Gambhir's preferences.

"We have talked about the moments when India could make a difference and win a game. And that's where Kuldeep Yadav could have been really handy. So, he comes in, and Shardul Thakur sits out," Manjrekar opined.

"But here is what I am hearing. You might see Shardul Thakur playing, and this comes from people who know the Indian coach well. But for me, it [Kuldeep playing] is a no-brainer," he added.

Shardul Thakur’s Place Under Scrutiny After Lacklustre Bowling Display

Shardul Thakur’s position in India’s playing XI has come under scrutiny following a disappointing bowling performance in the series. He has taken just two wickets in two Tests at an average of 72. The pacer went wicketless in 11 overs during the Manchester Test.

India have relied on two spin-bowling all-rounders, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, in their last three matches. Among seam-bowling all-rounders, Shardul and the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy have each featured in two games.

India trail England 2-1 heading into the fifth and final Test at The Oval. While Shubman Gill’s side can still level the series with a win, England need only a draw to lift the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

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