India's spin legend Harbhajan Singh admitted that though wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is a skilled bowler, if the pitches made are rank turners, then the left-arm spinner Akshar Patel might be a better choice for India against England in the upcoming Test series.
Team India is all set to host England in a five-match Test series, which is set to get underway on January 25 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Harbhajan Singh told PTI: “Look, the way I look at it is that when both R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are in playing eleven and you are looking at a third specialist spinner, it should be Kuldeep. Because Kuldeep as a wrist spinner will bring that variation.”
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He further explained, “But I believe Akshar's selection in Test matches is purely on his batting skills. At No 8 or 9, he can bat and that's what he brings to the table. While Akshar brings his superior batting to the table (compared to Kuldeep), I don't see a logic why you need a superior batter at No. 9 when his skill-sets are completely identical to that of Jadeja's. You are then taking the aspect of variation out of the equation. So, for me, ideally, Kuldeep should play.”
Meanwhile, the former Indian spinner pointed out two reasons why Akshar would be the top choice when the ball starts turning sharply in Tests.
Harbhajan stated, “If you look at our batting performances on rank turners, you would know that we haven't also done very well. Our batting also could struggle if there is excessive turn and hence you then want a longer tail and that's where Akshar comes into effect with his batting.”
He signed off by saying, “Now coming to the bowling. On turners, you need a "target shooter". One who would just keep on bowling wicket to wicket, hitting more or less the same length over and over. On turners, you won't need to turn or show variations to get wickets. Regarding that discipline, Akshar is fantastic at target hitting and hence he remains favorite.”
(With PTI Inputs)
