Bhuvneshwar’s last Test appearance came during the South Africa tour in 2018.
On the eve of the series opener, former batsman Yuvraj Singh weighed in over India’s squad, terming it a good one before adding that it should have also had a genuine swing bowler like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who can exploit the conditions in England.
Bhuvneshwar’s last Test appearance came during the South Africa tour in 2018. Injuries have played spoilsport for him in the last couple of years and India's rich fast bowling stocks ensured his absence when the selectors picked a 20-man squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand and the five-match Test series against England in May.
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"We have all the match winners. The conditions are really difficult in England. I feel that India need a swing bowler, because with the Dukes ball you should know how to swing it. You have got fast bowlers - Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma. We need someone like Bhuvneshwar Kumar," Yuvraj told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive chat.
Bhuvneshwar was part of the Indian squad during the recently-concluded Sri Lanka tour. He played the role of a vice-captain on the tour, claiming eight scalps from five games.
"He (Bhuvneshwar) is the guy who swings the ball. Bhuvi is an experienced bowler. And if he is fit, he should definitely be part of the squad and given an opportunity. India need someone experienced there (in England) like Bhuvi," Yuvraj added.
Both England and India are going into the series after suffering defeats against New Zealand. While England lost a two-match series to the Kiwis at home, India copped a defeat in the WTC final against the same opponent in Southampton.
During the Test series, one of the big battles would be between seasoned pacer James Anderson and India skipper Virat Kohli, and Yuvraj Singh is also looking forward to it.
"With the Dukes ball, I think James Anderson definitely will be the most dangerous. Even at this age, he is at his best. For me, the Anderson vs Virat battle will be there. I will be keen to watch these guys," Yuvraj concluded.
(With TOI inputs)