India vs. England: Pacer Faces Axe as Expert Calls for Spin to Revitalize Test Squad After Defeat

Former Cricketer Urges India to Replace Pacer After Test Defeat

Following India's defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar is advocating for strategic changes within the team's bowling attack. He specifically suggests replacing Shardul Thakur with left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. This recommendation comes in response to the bowling unit's inability to effectively defend their total, leading to England's successful chase of 371 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja faced criticism after the first Test.

While Jasprit Bumrah delivered a standout performance with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, the other pace bowlers – Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur – struggled to make a significant impact. England ultimately secured victory with five wickets in hand.

"Kuldeep Yadav has to come back. I'm sorry to say, but Shardul Thakur has to go out," Manjrekar stated on 'Match Centre Live'. He further elaborated, "That is one change India will have to make... India need to take a hard call: even in English conditions, they must go with quality bowlers."

Manjrekar emphasized the need to prioritize quality bowlers, regardless of the conditions. "If that means playing two spinners, so be it. Pick your best bowlers, irrespective of the conditions... so I'd go one seamer short and bring Kuldeep into the XI. He has to play."

Shardul Thakur's place in the team is being questioned.

Manjrekar also pointed out the evolving nature of English conditions, suggesting that they are becoming increasingly conducive to spin bowling due to drier summers.

"Let's also acknowledge that English summers these days are largely dry... and that does open the door for spin. In a way, it's time to reintroduce the idea of India playing spin in England... India need to embrace the same clarity." He added, "If Kuldeep is in your squad, play him. Don't go with seamers just because you're playing in England. I'd drop one seamer and bring in Kuldeep Yadav."

Expectations from Jadeja

Manjrekar also addressed the performance of Ravindra Jadeja, stating: "I am going to be critical of Ravindra Jadeja. This was a final-day pitch with rough patches for him to exploit... we have to expect more from someone of his experience."

He further commented on Jadeja's tactical approach, particularly his use of the rough patches on the pitch. "Somewhere, I felt Jadeja was disappointing... Jadeja at least had something in the pitch working in his favour."