‘Kuldeep Yadav is India’s next best attacking option after Jasprit Bumrah’: Ex-Australia captain slams shock Edgbaston selections | Cricket News

Shubman Gill and Gautam Gambhir (Getty Images)

NEW DELHI: Former Australia captain Aaron Finch has questioned India’s crew choice for the second Test at Edgbaston, expressing shock over the exclusion of premier pacer Jasprit Bumrah and in-form spinner Kuldeep Yadav. India made three adjustments to their enjoying XI, bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep instead of Shardul Thakur, Sai Sudharsan, and Jasprit Bumrah. England captain Ben Stokes received the toss and selected to bowl.Reacting on social media, Finch wrote: “If Bumrah was fit to play then surely you need to pick the best bowler in the world? At the very least Kuldeep has to be in the XI if you’re worried about taking 20 wickets. Yes, he might be more expensive but he’s the next best attacking option!”Finch’s remarks echoed the feelings of many followers and consultants who had been surprised by India’s choice choices. Bumrah, extensively thought to be one of many world’s best all-format bowlers, was neglected regardless of being reportedly match.Kuldeep, India’s standout spinner within the first Test, additionally missed out on choice. With India trailing 0-1 within the five-match collection, the absence of two key wicket-taking choices has sparked intense debate.

After being put in to bat, India’s stand-in skipper Shubman Gill defined the reasoning: “Would’ve bowled first as well. If there’s anything in the wicket, it’s on the first day. Three changes – Reddy, Washi and Akash Deep come in. No Bumrah. Just to manage his workload. We did get a good break, and this is an important match for us. But the third Test being at Lord’s, we think there’ll be more in that pitch, so we’ll use him there. We were tempted to play Kuldeep, but looking at the last match, our lower order didn’t do well, so we decided to add some depth to the batting.“