England vs India: Sourav Ganguly wants Kuldeep Yadav to join Ashwin at Lord’s

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has picked his choice as the second Indian spinner to take the field against England in the second Test match at Lord’s starting Thursday, August 9, and it is Kuldeep Yadav. The fact that the wicket at Lord’s has seen the constant sun over the last few months and has become dry and hard is what has made pundits mull over the inclusion of another spinner in the side.

India played the first Test at Edgbaston with three specialist fast bowlers and one spinner – the formula which is generally followed overseas – with Ravichandran Ashwin being the only spinner. He picked seven wickets in the game and looked a completely different bowler.

Ganguly, India’s second most successful captain in Tests jointly with Virat Kohli at the moment, wrote in a column for the Times of India that India should seriously consider the option of fielding a second spinner at the iconic venue and also backed the chinaman ahead of the senior left-arm spinner.

India shouldn’t compromise

“The selection of Ollie Pope is a strategy to counter the off-spin of Ashwin. India need to think about a second spinner at Lord’s. It’s been very hot and history shows it spins at Lord’s and, as far as I’m concerned, Kuldeep Yadav would be the right choice. At no stage, however, should India compromise on the five-bowler option. England will be without Ben Stokes for the second Test but the inclusion of Chris Woakes and his all-round ability will balance the side,” he wrote.

Sourav Ganguly also praised Ashwin who he had backed ahead of the series. He was enthused with the offie adding more variety to his bowling and was proud of the way he presented himself at Edgbaston.

“The positive thing for India is the bowling. All the bowlers did a grand job, especially Ashwin. He has added more variety to his repertoire and will continue to be a massive threat. I remember talking about Ashwin in my preview to this series and I am happy with the way he has presented himself. He is conscious about the need to succeed overseas and has improved immensely since the time his spot was challenged by younger players,” the 46-year-old added.

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