October 24, 2024: The decision by Rohit Sharma and the Indian team management to omit Kuldeep Yadav from the second Test against New Zealand in favor of Washington Sundar and Akash Deep has sparked differing opinions, with former players like Sanjay Manjrekar and Sunil Gavaskar offering contrasting views.
Sanjay Manjrekar defended the decision, supporting the inclusion of an in-form seamer like Akash Deep and a tall finger-spinner like Washington Sundar. He argued that given the conditions in Pune, a traditional spinner like Kuldeep was not as necessary when there was enough assistance for a bowler like Sundar, who could provide balance with both bat and ball. Manjrekar’s tweet echoed the sentiment that Akash Deep’s form justified his inclusion, while Sundar’s selection made practical sense considering the conditions and the need for a more versatile option.
On the other hand, Sunil Gavaskar expressed his disappointment, seeing Sundar’s selection as a sign of “panic.” Gavaskar felt that the inclusion of Sundar was more about bolstering the lower-order batting rather than focusing on the bowling attack. He suggested that Kuldeep, with his proven ability to turn the ball away from left-handers and his track record, would have been a better option against New Zealand’s left-handed batters. Gavaskar’s concern was that India might be overcompensating for their batting concerns rather than trusting the bowling strength of someone like Kuldeep.
This debate highlights the complexity of team selection in crucial matches, especially when a series is on the line. Kuldeep Yadav, despite his excellent Test record (56 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 22.16), often finds himself on the sidelines due to the all-round capabilities of Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, and now Washington Sundar. India’s management appears to have prioritized batting depth for this match, particularly in a must-win situation to level the series and maintain their stronghold at home.
The contrasting viewpoints from Manjrekar and Gavaskar show how team selection can be interpreted differently based on the emphasis placed on either form, conditions, or team balance. With India needing a win to stay alive in the series, the decisions will ultimately be judged by the outcome of this crucial Test match.
