Former Indian off-spinner and World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh has said that Team India will give first chance to Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner to diversify India’s bowling attack in the upcoming Test series against England. However, meanwhile, the veteran spinner also explained why the team management could go with Akshar Patel before Kuldeep.

India is set to play England in the much-awaited 5-Test series starting from January 25 in Hyderabad. R Ashwin, who is approaching 500 Test wickets, and Ravindra Jadeja are without a doubt the team’s first choice spinners. India has selected 4 spinners in its 16-member team.

When England toured India for a 4-Test series in 2021, Axar Patel had a lot of success in his first series. The left-arm spinner took 27 wickets in his first 3 matches in Test cricket in that series. After being behind 1-0 in 2021, he played an important role in Team India winning the series 3-1.

Harbhajan Singh gave a big statement regarding Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav

Harbhajan Singh was quoted by PTI as saying, “From my point of view, when bowlers like R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja are present in the team, then the third spinner should be a specialist bowler like Kuldeep. He further said, “Kuldeep is a wrist spinner and his presence will provide variety to the team. I believe that Akshar is selected in the Test team because of his batting skills. He can contribute something to the team with the bat at number eight or nine.”

Harbhajan, however, raised questions on ignoring Kuldeep and said, “Akshar is a better batsman but I do not understand why you need a batsman at number nine. That too of a player who is exactly like Jadeja.” He said, “By this you are reducing the diversity in bowling. According to me, Kuldeep should play in the team.”

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