Harbhajan Singh has backed Kuldeep Yadav ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin for the first Test at Edgbaston against England, starting August 1 as he feels that Kuldeep has troubled the English batsmen in the limited-overs format and playing him will give India an edge. Kuldeep picked up nine wickets from the three ODIs, which included a 6/25 in the first ODI and 3/68 in the second at Lord’s.
“If it comes to one spinner that I have to choose, I’ll pick Kuldeep Yadav. In these conditions, he is someone, who has bowled a lot in last six games or so and he has been one of the pick of the bowlers from Indian point of view.
“Yes! England have managed to play him well in the last two games or so but I still think that Kuldeep will be the key man for India going forward in this Test series. If at all I have to pick one spinner, I’ll pick Kuldeep ahead of Ashwin,” Harbhajan said.
Kuldeep made his his Test debut against Australia in Dharamsala and ran through the Aussie batting, picking up 4/68 and giving India the edge in the series decider.
However, Ashwin’s chances of making the XI ahead of Jadeja and Kuldeep remain likely for at least the first Test at Edgbaston.
