The selection call around Kuldeep Yadav has everyone talking. This cover art captures the high-stakes mood as fans and experts debate ahead of the 5th Test — only on puneripages.in.
By Prashant for PuneriPages.in
Let me be honest—when I first heard Sanjay Manjrekar saying Kuldeep Yadav should play in the 5th Test, my instinctive reaction was: “Wait, why fix what’s not broken?” But then, as I sat with it, things got interesting. Manjrekar didn’t just casually drop that opinion—he’s thought it through, and it raises a valid, slightly risky, but fascinating debate.
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What’s the Context?
We’re talking about the final Test match of a long and draining series. India is 3-1 up. The team looks settled, the bowlers are in rhythm, and momentum is firmly in our court. So, on the surface, there’s no real need to mess with the balance.
But here’s where Manjrekar’s suggestion kicks in.
He believes Kuldeep Yadav can bring something unique to the table—specifically, variation. With the pitch expected to turn and wear down late in the game, having a left-arm wrist-spinner could be India’s wildcard. Kuldeep’s style is unconventional and can trouble set batters, especially when they least expect it.
The Manjrekar POV
Sanjay said something that stayed with me: “India can afford to be brave because the series is already in their bag.” In a way, he’s nudging the team to experiment a little, to take a strategic gamble.
And he’s not wrong. Kuldeep hasn’t played in this series but did well in the few opportunities he got earlier. His confidence is high, his control has improved, and his mystery factor is still intact.
The Risk Factor
Now, as a fan who has followed Indian cricket passionately (maybe too passionately), I’ve seen how even small changes can backfire—especially in Tests. Dropping someone like Axar Patel or Ravindra Jadeja just to squeeze in Kuldeep isn’t an easy call.
Team chemistry matters. Trust in combinations matters. One poor session can turn a Test match upside down. And let’s not forget—it’s England. They’ve got that Bazball energy. You give them an inch, and they’ll take the game away.
But… What If It Works?
And here’s where I kind of warm up to Manjrekar’s point. What if this is the moment to unleash Kuldeep? A player who thrives on bounce, turn, and unpredictability. England’s attacking approach can sometimes work against them when facing a bowler they haven’t played recently.
More than anything, this could be a long-term investment. Imagine Kuldeep having a strong game—it boosts his Test credentials, gives India one more weapon in the spin arsenal, and sets a message: we aren’t afraid to mix things up.
Final Thought – Head or Heart?
If I had to decide—head says stick to the winning combo. Heart says take the risk, back the X-factor.
I think that’s where most fans like me are stuck right now. Manjrekar’s comment wasn’t just about one player. It was about mindset. Do we play safe now that we’re ahead? Or do we finish this series by throwing one last unpredictable punch?
I’d love to see Kuldeep get that red ball and prove a point.
But if not now, then soon. Because the guy is too good to be sitting on the sidelines.
What do you think? Would you go for Kuldeep in the 5th Test? Or stick with the tried and tested trio? Let’s talk.
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