Sourav Ganguly Critiques Kuldeep Yadav's Exclusion from Second Test Against England

Sourav Ganguly has voiced his surprise at the Indian cricket team's decision to exclude Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI for the second Test against England. Despite favorable pitch conditions for spin bowling, Kuldeep was benched while India made several changes to their lineup. Ganguly questioned the rationale behind not utilizing their best spinners and emphasized that the focus should have been on bolstering the bowling attack rather than altering the batting order. As the match progresses, the decision to bench Kuldeep will be scrutinized, especially if India struggles against England's batting lineup.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 3, 2025, 14:20 IST

Ganguly's Surprise Over Team Selection

Sourav Ganguly, the former captain of India, expressed his astonishment regarding the team management's choice to omit Kuldeep Yadav from the playing XI for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Despite the pitch being conducive for spin bowling, Kuldeep remained on the sidelines as India made three alterations to their lineup, bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep to replace Shardul Thakur, Sai Sudharsan, and Jasprit Bumrah.

Ganguly Questions the Decision

During a discussion on Sony Sports Network, Ganguly voiced his surprise at the decision to bench Kuldeep, especially given the pitch's potential for spin. He questioned whether India had selected their most effective spinners for the match. "I don't understand why India is not utilizing their two most capable spinners," he remarked. "With the pitch showing signs of turn, it’s unexpected to leave Kuldeep out. This was a prime opportunity for him to make an impact with the ball."

Potential Advantage for India

Ganguly also commented on England's decision to bat first, suggesting it could work in India's favor if they manage to set a substantial score. He stated, "England choosing to bowl gives India a great chance. If they can put runs on the board, it will benefit them greatly."

Focus on Bowling, Not Batting

He further emphasized that India's batting performance in the first Test was not a concern, as the team collectively scored over 830 runs across both innings. Ganguly argued that the focus should have been on strengthening the bowling attack rather than enhancing batting depth. "You didn’t score 380 in two innings; you scored over 830. That’s more than sufficient," he pointed out. "If your top order faltered at times, bringing in Washington Sundar at seven or Nitish Reddy at eight won’t change that. The real issue was the bowling unit that needed reinforcement."

Scrutiny of Kuldeep's Omission

Ganguly's remarks highlight a growing belief that Kuldeep Yadav, who has been in impressive form recently, should have been included in the squad, especially considering the pitch conditions and India's requirement for wicket-taking bowlers. As the Test match unfolds, the decision to bench Kuldeep will be under close examination, particularly if India finds it challenging to manage England's batting on a spin-friendly surface.