Sanjay Bangar wants Kuldeep Yadav to play Oval Test but feels team’s think would stick with Shardul Thakur

Former Indian all-rounder Sanjay Bangar wants Kuldeep Yadav to be part of India’s playing XI at the Kennington Oval against England. However, Bangar reckons India would stick with their strategy of playing Shardul Thakur at number eight.

Thakur had gone wicketless in the Old Trafford Test and conceded 55 runs in 11 overs he bowled. Though, he scored a decent knock of 41 runs in the first innings.

Meanwhile, Yadav has scalped 56 wickets in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 22.16. Against England, Kuldeep has bagged 21 wickets in six Test matches at an impressive average of 22.28 but he hasn’t been given his chance in the first four Test matches.

“I would certainly want him to be part of the squad, but whatever little footage that we saw of the pitch, there was a lot of grass cover. Because of that, no matter how much we want Kuldeep Yadav to play in the team, ultimately, they will decide in Shardul Thakur’s favor,” the former India all-rounder Bangar said on Star Sports show Follow the Blues.

“Thus far, they have played the entire series with that formula only, and Gill and Gambhir will try to play with that formula only tomorrow (Thursday),” Bangar added.

The former Indian batting coach said India would definitely consider Shardul Thakur at number eight if they play with four seam-bowlers.

“They will have to think of whether to play four seam-bowling options, and by the looks of it, they may just tend towards that option. If they play four seam-bowling options, they will obviously consider Shardul Thakur at No. 8. He plays more for his all-round abilities,” he replied.

Bangar backed Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj to be the three frontline pacers in the Oval Test.

“As far as I am concerned, Prasidh Krishna, Siraj and Akash Deep would be my three seamers. Prasidh Krishna has proved slightly expensive in this series, but he has the wicket-taking ability. He hits the deck. He extracts extra bounce, which is always available on the Oval pitch. I consider Prasidh ahead of Arshdeep. In my opinion, Anshul might not be seen playing in this match,” Bangar observed.

The fifth and final Test match between England and India will be played at the Kennington Oval, London, from 31st July onwards.