Former India Star Urges Shardul Thakur's Removal, Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion for Second Test vs. England

Former Cricketer Calls for Pacer's Removal After First Test Defeat

Following India's defeat to England in the first Test, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has urged the team management to make strategic changes to the bowling attack for the upcoming second Test. Manjrekar specifically suggested replacing Shardul Thakur with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav.

Ravindra Jadeja faced criticism after the first Test

While Jasprit Bumrah shone with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, the other pace bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, struggled to contain the English batsmen, ultimately leading to England's successful chase of 371 runs with five wickets in hand.

Manjrekar, speaking on 'Match Centre Live', stated, "Kuldeep Yadav has to come back. I'm sorry to say, but Shardul Thakur has to go out. That is one change India will have to make." He further elaborated on the need for quality bowlers, even if it meant altering the team's balance. "If that means playing two spinners, so be it. Pick your best bowlers, irrespective of the conditions."

Shardul Thakur under scrutiny after the first Test

With Mohammed Shami unavailable and the pace battery not at full strength, Manjrekar advocated for a strategic shift: "I'd go one seamer short and bring Kuldeep into the XI. He has to play."

Manjrekar highlighted the evolving English conditions, noting that drier summers have made them increasingly conducive to spin bowling. He urged the Indian team to adapt to this change. "Let's also acknowledge that English summers these days are largely dry - thanks to global warming, perhaps - and that does open the door for spin. In a way, it's time to reintroduce the idea of India playing spin in England."

Drawing a parallel to England's aggressive approach under Ben Stokes, Manjrekar emphasized the need for clarity and adaptability. "There was a time when India would play three spinners no matter what — whether in New Zealand or England. If Kuldeep is in your squad, play him. Don't go with seamers just because you're playing in England. I'd drop one seamer and bring in Kuldeep Yadav."

Expectations from Jadeja

While acknowledging the learning curve for younger players like Prasidh Krishna, Manjrekar expressed disappointment with Ravindra Jadeja's performance.

"This was a final-day pitch with rough patches for him to exploit. And while there were a couple of chances, we have to expect more from someone of his experience."

He criticized Jadeja's inconsistent use of the rough patches, particularly against Ben Duckett, and emphasized the need for greater tactical awareness from experienced players. "The seamers had no help from the surface — but Jadeja at least had something in the pitch working in his favour."