Kuldeep Yadav reveals why Team India didn't opt for spin-friendly pitches in IND vs ENG series

Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav has revealed why Team India didn’t opt for spin-friendly pitches in the IND vs ENG series. Kuldeep Yadav is part of the India vs England series. He was not part of the playing 11 in the 1st Test in Hyderabad. Kuldeep Yadav was picked in the 2nd Test in Vizag after missing the opening Test.

He hunted 4 wickets in the match with a 3-wicket haul in 1st innings. The chinaman spinner picked the crucial wicket of Zak Crawley in the 2nd innings of IND vs ENG 2nd Test. Crawley was en route to a big knock with his 73 runs as England sought to chase down 399.

Notably, Team India has not opted for spin-friendly tracks in the ongoing IND vs ENG Test series. It is evident from the fact that spin legend Ravichandran Ashwin has struggled to dominate England batters.

However, pacer Jasprit Bumrah has rocked with his pace attack. Bumrah is the leading wicket-taker in the series with 15 scalps at 10.67 average. He also won the Player of the Match award in the previous Test. Ashwin has clinched 9 wickets across 2 matches.

Also Read: Ollie Robinson speaks up on Jasprit Bumrah’s performance a day ahead of Rajkot Test

For good cricket, it’s important: Kuldeep Yadav 

During a chat with reporters ahead of the IND vs ENG 3rd Test, Kuldeep Yadav was asked why Team India didn’t opt for rank turners in the India vs England Test series. He said he does not know the exact reason but it is important for good cricket.

“I have no idea. I haven’t played on rank turners. I did not play in the last series at home. So, I do not know what our approach or thinking would be. It is basically the team management’s decision. Obviously, all of you also want to watch good cricket. For good cricket, it’s important”, the left-arm spinner said.

Spin duo Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja stole the limelight in the previous home Test series against Australia. Right-arm spinner Ashwin finished as the highest wicket-taker in the four-match Test series with 25 scalps.

Left-arm spinner Jadeja followed him with 22 scalps. Both of them also won the Player of the Series award for their impeccable bowling attack. The series also witnessed some games ending within 3-4 days as batters struggled to pile up runs. India won that series 2-1.

Also Read: Mark Wood likely to replace Shoaib Bashir in Rajkot Test as England eyes two seamers in playing 11

Rajkot pitch is not going to be a rank turner: Kuldeep Yadav

Speaking about the forthcoming India vs England 3rd Test in Rajkot, Kuldeep Yadav said it is not going to be a rank turner but a good batting wicket.

“It is not going to be a rank turner, but will be a good wicket. When we say it is going to be a batting-friendly wicket we do not mean that 700-800 runs will be scored here, but it will be a better wicket compared to playing on a rank turner. I hope it helps the spinners who play,” the left-arm spinner further added.

Meanwhile, India and England are set to collide in the 3rd Test. IND vs ENG 3rd Test will commence on February 15 at Saurashtra Cricket Stadium in Rajkot. The series is tied 1-1 after two games.