Ahead of the third ODI against England at Lord's on Sunday, July 19, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has endorsed wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav to take Washington Sundar's spot in the India XI.
Washington Sundar will not play in the deciding ODI after sustaining a hamstring injury during Team India's four-wicket defeat in the second ODI in Cardiff.
There are many possibilities available to the Men in Blue to change the starting lineup, and each option gives the Indian team a different set of skills.
One of the more viable options would be Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist spinner. He was not part of the T20I squad and has been warming the bench in ODIs, as Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management has opted for depth in the batting lineup over five proper bowlers.
After Washington Sundar was ruled out of the game, Team India also called up spin bowling all-rounder Harsh Dubey to the team.
KL Rahul's return to the starting lineup is another option available to Team India. Due to illness, the wicketkeeper was unable to play in the second ODI; Ishan Kishan took his place.
"I think this is a bit of a test for the team now, because the five bowlers that were there in the second ODI, plus KL Rahul if he is fit. Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill like having batting till No. 8; this has been the template that has been followed. They have compromised their bowling, but never their batting till No.8. I don't remember them doing anything like that, and now it is a do-or-die game," Mohammad Kaif said on Cricbuzz.
"Since this is a series decider, two questions arise. Will they bring Kuldeep Yadav or KL Rahul? If KL Rahul comes, then they will have the same bowlers from the second ODI, which includes Shivam Dube. If you ask me, I would like Kuldeep Yadav to play in this decider match. He is a wicket-taker, and he should get a chance," he added.
Kuldeep Yadav sporadically featured during the home series against Afghanistan, playing the one-off Test and an ODI match, but was not part of the T20I squads against Ireland and England. He has a decent record in England, picking up 15 wickets in 10 ODIs at an average of 32.33 and an economy rate of 5.00.
