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'It Could Be A Straight Swap' - Aakash Chopra Wants Kuldeep To Replace A Fast Bowler In 2nd Test vs BAN

Kuldeep Yadav in Test for India (@ICC)Kuldeep Yadav in Test for India (@ICC)

The second Test between India and Bangladesh, is scheduled to begin on September 27 at the Green Park Stadium in Kanpur. So ahead of this final Test match of the series, former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra has urged the Indian team management to include left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the XI.

India is coming off a comprehensive 280-run victory over Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai, where a slightly seamer-friendly pitch aided the pacers. The Indian think-tank opted for a bowling combination of three seamers and two spinners in that game. 

However, with the action now shifting to Kanpur, a venue known for assisting spinners, the conditions might favour Kuldeep’s inclusion.

Aakash Chopra Backs Kuldeep Yadav For The Second Test In Kanpur

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra analysed the potential changes India might make for the second Test, depending on the pitch conditions in Kanpur. 

He highlighted that if the pitch behaves typically, as it has in the past, Kuldeep Yadav would be the perfect choice to exploit the spin-friendly nature of the track.

"You can do only one thing on a black-soil pitch - put grass and leave moisture. Then the ball moves decently for the first one to one-and-a-half days. If they make such a pitch, which they did in Chennai, they might have to play three fast bowlers. However, if it's a typical Kanpur surface, low, slow and slightly spin-friendly, Kuldeep Yadav has to play," Aakash Chopra said. 

The former India opener suggested that Kuldeep could be a straight swap for one of the fast bowlers, likely Akash Deep, if the conditions favor spin. 

He also noted that if Jasprit Bumrah, who led India's pace attack in Chennai, is rested due to workload management, both Akash Deep and Kuldeep Yadav could find a place in the playing XI.

"It could be a straight swap, a fast bowler out and Kuldeep Yadav in. If there is no workload management, Akash Deep out and Kuldeep in. If Bumrah has to rest, both Akash Deep and Kuldeep might play. Other than that, I don't think there is a scope for a change in the team," he added.

As the second Test looms, all eyes will be on the pitch in Kanpur and the team selections that could define the outcome of the match. It is worth mentioning, that if India does opt for Kuldeep Yadav, the hosts will be banking on the wrist-spinner to add to their already formidable bowling lineup and lead them to a series-clinching victory.