Morne Morkel Speaks About Kuldeep Yadav 's Exclusion(Source: @sachiinv7/x.com, @Cricketadd75277 /x.com)
In the ongoing Test series, Kuldeep Yadav’s absence from the playing XI has remained an unsolved puzzle as his recent snub from the ongoing Test raised eyebrows. Snubbing Kuldeep, Washington Sundar was given a chance depending on his all-round abilities.
As the move already stirred controversy, Team India’s bowling coach Morne Morkel was asked about Kuldeep’s exclusion. In response, Morkel admitted the team is actively looking for the right way to slot him in.
Morkel On Kuldeep’s Exclusion
In the five-match Test series, Team India is playing the fourth Test match in Manchester, and Kuldeep Yadav is still waiting for his first game of the series. After a string of injury setbacks, hopes were high on Kuldeep’s place in the playing XI of the fourth Test, but the spinner kept warming the bench as Washington Sundar was named in the playing XI, depending on his ability to bat.
In the post-match discussion, Team India’s bowling coach faced questions regarding Kuldeep’s continuous exclusion despite favorable conditions. Praising Kuldeep’s talent, he assured that the team is working hard to find the right opportunity to include him.
“I think it's finding when he comes in, how we can find balance and how we can get that batting line-up to be a little bit longer and stronger. We've seen in the past that we've lost wickets in clumps. Kuldeep is world class and he's bowling really well at the moment, so we're trying our best to find ways for him to get in. But unfortunately, with that, just to balance with batting throws it out a little bit,” he said.
Why Is India Prioritizing Batting Over Key Bowlers?
In the ongoing tour, Team India’s strategy regarding playing XI selection came under the scanner. They have prioritized batting depth over selecting genuine wicket-taking bowlers in the playing XI. Washing Sundar and Shardul Thakur are the best examples of this. When asked, bowling coach Morne Morkel said such discussions have taken place, but the current bowlers are doing well in the series.
“There's always an option of going in with quicks and picking your six best bat. All those discussions we have had or we do discuss. But I think so far in this match, the last two Test matches, the guys who have played have done a good job in terms of spin bowling, he said.
“We were ever so close to winning that Test match at Lord's. We had a great Test match at Edgbaston. So I think so far we've played good cricket, good cricket bar yesterday's bowling performance,” he added.
In the ongoing Test, Team India is facing a setback, as the hosts have already put a strong total of 544/7 with a lead of 186 runs. The pressure now shifts to the Indian batters, who must brace for a stern test in the second innings.
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