Diabolical Or Defining Decisions?

Although Kuldeep Yadav, still a Test virgin, performed outstandingly in the few opportunities accorded to him in the limited overs format on India’s tour of England...

- Sreelata S. Yellamrazu

As two giants of Test cricket go up against each other in the course of the forthcoming week, it is interesting that both teams have chosen similar tactics when it comes to team selection. With the focus squarely on spinners, while one panel of selectors have been applauded for their risky but relevant choice, the other has come in for sharp criticism amidst much apprehension ahead of the first Test.

Although Kuldeep Yadav, still a Test virgin, performed outstandingly in the few opportunities accorded to him in the limited overs format on India’s tour of England, there was some concern that the Indian selectors and the think tank of the team management would perhaps be wary of blooding him into the five day format given the enormity of the occasion on an overseas tour. However, the selectors followed form and instinct and decided to add the left arm wrist spinner to the Indian squad that already includes spinners in Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.