ENG vs IND 2018: Indian Team Management Can Play Two Spinners: Zaheer Khan

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes that Indian team management can play two spinners in the first Test of England vs India 2018. In fact, the current conditions in England are hot and humid. Consequently, the spinners can come into action.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav has shown the right promise in the limited overs opportunities. Therefore, Zaheer Khan said that it is fair to have high expectations from the mystery chinaman spinner.

“Yes, if conditions are hot, it may be difficult for fast bowlers but then you always have the option to play two specialist spinners. If the conditions remain like that, they (Indian team management) might be tempted to play two spinners,” Zaheer told PTI on the sidelines of a seminar ‘Scorecard’ organized by the CII.

Zaheer went on to add that the expectations have risen since Kuldeep Yadav has started to impress at the top level. The former southpaw pacer said that Kuldeep will have to handle all the pressure with guile.

“Why shouldn’t there be expectations? The expectations have grown since he has done well at the international level. When you do well, it is bound to happen and he (Kuldeep) will have to handle that.”

Zaheer Khan expects India to dominate the proceedings given the current conditions in England. Furthermore, Zaheer said that five-match Test series are always challenging.

“Everyone is saying that this will be the ‘Indian Summer’ in the UK. I am also expecting India to dominate. But we have to keep in mind that this is a five-Test series. Five-Test series can be very challenging. You need to show a lot of consistency. But what gives me hope is the manner in which they played in South Africa”.

The former fast bowler who had a fine action said that India also did well on the South African tour. India bagged all the 60 wickets in the three Test matches. Furthermore, they went on to make a comeback in the final Test match against the Proteas.

“Yes, they lost the Test series (1-2) but the way the fought back in the final Test was impressive. The energy and approach they showed gives me a lot of hope,” said India’s best ever left-arm pacer.