Former Indian Test batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed Kuldeep Yadav to be picked for the fourth T20I against the West Indies. Pujara reckons the wrist spinner can return to the team’s final XI in place of Prince Yadav, who returned with figures of 0-37 in the last game.
Pujara believes Kuldeep can be added to the team if there is some help for the spinners on the Hyderabad wicket. In the first two games of the series, Kuldeep returned with three wickets at an average of 28.67, but the wrist spinner conceded his runs at an economy rate of 10.75.
Pujara said on Cricinfo, “Well, if the pitch is similar, you stick to the same playing XI. If there is little assistance for the spinners, instead of Prince, you might want to pick Kuldeep in the playing XI. So, based on the kind of condition which is on offer at Hyderabad, you will have to take that call. I only see one change.”
Pujara said the pitch in Indore was perfect for both teams and he is hopeful that the Hyderabad track should not be a high-scoring deck.
“It will be interesting to see what kind of surface they give in Hyderabad. I have heard that they have re-laid the surface, the square. I hope that it’s a good pitch like what we saw at Indore. Not a 260-270 runs pitch. The pitch in Indore was perfect for T20s. You could score runs, but there was some assistance for bowlers and they could pick up wickets.”
India posted 223 runs on the board at Holkar Stadium and they were able to restrict the West Indies to 209.
The fourth T20I between India and the West Indies will be played on Wednesday.
