MSK Prasad Advocates for Key Players in India's Upcoming Test Series Against England

Key Players for the England Test Series

MSK Prasad, the former chief selector of India, emphasizes the importance of including Arshdeep Singh, Sai Sudharsan, and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad for the upcoming five-match Test series in England, which kicks off on June 20.

In a recent discussion, Ravi Shastri, the former head coach of India, also supported Sudharsan, who is currently excelling in the IPL and has prior experience in county cricket.

Prasad, who served on the selection committee from 2016 to 2020, shared his insights on why both Arshdeep and Kuldeep should be included in the team.

He suggested that if the selectors opt for a 15-member squad, Prasidh Krishna should be chosen over Akash Deep as one of the five pacers.

With R Ashwin's retirement, Washington Sundar is expected to join Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep as the spin bowling all-rounders, with Kuldeep being viewed as a genuine wicket-taker even in the pace-friendly conditions of England.

Regarding Rohit Sharma's inclusion, Prasad believes that decision should rest with the selection panel led by Ajit Agarkar.

Prasad stated, 'Sai must be included in this England series, as it is the perfect time with the new WTC cycle starting.'

He added that if Rohit is selected, he would open alongside Jaiswal, with Sai as a backup opener, leaving the final decision to the selectors.

Shubman Gill is anticipated to bat at number three, while Virat Kohli, who needs to address his struggles with outside off-stump deliveries, will bat at four. Prasad prefers Rishabh Pant as the wicket-keeper batter, with KL Rahul also expected to play a significant role in the middle order.

'Apart from Gill, KL is another all-format player. Although Shreyas Iyer has performed well in white-ball cricket, I wouldn't select him for the England series,' he remarked.

'Jadeja, Sundar, and Kuldeep are my three spinners. Jadeja is an automatic choice, Sundar as the all-rounder, and Kuldeep is a match-winner. I would not include Axar Patel for this series,' he added.

Despite concerns regarding Nitish Reddy's fitness due to his lack of bowling in the IPL, Prasad believes he will still make the squad based on his performance in Australia.

'Compared to Australia, Reddy's bowling will be beneficial in English conditions,' he noted.

On the pace front, Prasad suggested that selectors should consider including Prasidh and Arshdeep, who can swing the ball both ways, adding variety to the attack as the only left-arm fast bowler.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj are expected to be key players in the pace lineup.

'Arshdeep would be my unconventional choice. In English conditions, a left-arm seamer is essential. He can move the ball both ways and is currently bowling in the 135 km/h range. His confidence is high,' he stated.

'Having taken 100 T20 wickets, he understands the game's nuances and has county experience,' he added.

Prasad concluded by expressing optimism about India's chances of winning their first series in England since 2007, noting that England is undergoing a transition following the retirements of Stuart Broad and James Anderson.