Yuvraj Singh Feels India Could Use Bhuvneshwar Kumar's Services in England

Yuvraj Singh has expressed his desire to see an experienced campaigner like Bhuvneshwar Kumar in India’s squad against England. Team India will play against England in a 5-match Test series starting on August 4 at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.

Bhuvneshwar recently competed in India’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka with a second-string squad. He hasn’t played a Test match for the national side in about 3 years now. His last game was against South Africa in Johannesburg. The reason for his absence is mostly down to his injuries, something that has affected him constantly.

As a result, he went out of favour with the national selectors when it came to Test cricket. Team India will miss his services for the upcoming red-ball series against England, where conditions would have been ideal for the Uttar Pradesh bowler. Speaking about the same to TOI, Yuvraj Singh reckoned:

“We have all the match winners. The conditions are really difficult in England. I feel that India needs a swing bowler because, with a Dukes ball, you should know how to swing it. You have got fast bowlers – Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma – but we need someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar.“

“If Bhuvneshwar Kumar is fit, he should be part of the squad.” – Yuvraj Singh

The 31-year-old Bhuvneshwar Kumar showcased a lot of potential during his early days. An out-and-out swing bowler like no other, Bhuvneshwar also contributes with the bat, like seen during India’s tour of England back in 2014.

Unfortunately, he hasn’t played as many games owing to his frequent bouts with fitness. All in all, Bhuvneshwar has played just 21 Tests for India, claiming 63 wickets at an average of 26.03. If he is fit, he should get into the squad anytime, according to Yuvraj Singh.

“He is the guy who swings the ball. Bhuvi is an experienced bowler. And if he is fit, he should definitely be part of the squad and given an opportunity. India needs someone experienced there (in England) like Bhuvi,” Yuvraj asserted.

Going into the first Test, both the teams have a weakened batting line-up. While England was dealt a body blow when Ben Stokes announced he’s taking an indefinite break due to mental health issues, Team India lost the opener, Mayank Agarwal, for the first Test after he suffered a blow to the head during a net session.