ENG vs IND 2025: Ajinkya Rahane urges India to make key change for Manchester Test
"Our batting unit is doing really well. Even if you score 25-30 runs less, that’s okay. But you need people who can get you those wickets," said Rahane.
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Ahead of the fourth Test between India and England at Old Trafford, former India captain Ajinkya Rahane suggested that the team might benefit from including spinner Kuldeep Yadav, regardless of whether Jasprit Bumrah plays or not.
With India trailing 1-2 in the series after a narrow 22-run loss at Lord’s, the team management is likely assessing their bowling options. The assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had earlier shared an update on Bumrah’s availability for the upcoming match. Rahane noted that if conditions stay similar to the previous Tests, a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep could be useful in picking up key wickets.
“Depending on the condition of the wicket, I feel Kuldeep should play. If the wicket is similar to the last three Test matches, Kuldeep should play because you need guys who can get you those wickets. Our batting unit is doing really well. Even if you score 25-30 runs less, that’s okay. But you need people who can get you those wickets. You don’t want to depend on your leading fast bowlers every time.” Rahane said on his YouTube channel.
India should add specialist bowler in roster: Rahane
India opted for pacer Akash Deep in the second Test at Edgbaston when Bumrah was rested, eventually bringing Bumrah back in place of Prasidh Krishna for the next match. Looking ahead to the Manchester Test, Rahane mentioned Arshdeep Singh as a possible option to come in if Bumrah is unavailable.
“I think so, yes. If Bumrah is not playing, Arshdeep is the guy. Because in England, you need a left-arm seamer who can swing the ball both ways, and also, with a different angle, he can create that rough for the spinners. So, if Bumrah doesn’t play, Arshdeep should play the next one,” Rahane said.
Arshdeep, who is still awaiting his Test debut, had to be taken to a doctor recently after suffering a cut. Rahane mentioned that the young pacer’s fitness will likely play a role in India’s planning for the upcoming Manchester Test. With team combinations still under consideration, Arshdeep’s condition could influence the final selection.
“He took a ball while he was bowling there. So he hit a ball, and he tried to stop it and it’s just a cut. So we have to see how bad the cut is. Obviously, the medical team have taken him off to see a doctor and obviously, if he needs stitches or does he not, that will be important to our planning for the next few days,” Rahane said.