After India’s defeat in the first Test against England, former coach Greg Chappell has questioned Ravindra Jadeja’s place in the playing eleven.
India lost by 5 wickets in this match played at Headingley, and now everyone’s eyes are on Jadeja’s performance. Chappell says that Jadeja does not fit as the main spinner in English conditions.
Chappell wrote in his ESPNcricinfo column,
“Jadeja is not the leading spinner in England. If his batting is considered good, then he can be a support spinner, otherwise the team needs to think again.”
Jadeja bowled 47 overs at Headingley, but took only 1 wicket and conceded 172 runs.
On the fifth day, when the pitch was helpful for spinners, even then Jadeja could not trouble the England batsmen.
Why Chappell Wants Kuldeep in Next Test?
Chappell suggested that India should give Kuldeep Yadav a chance in the next Test. He believes that Kuldeep, whom he considers the best wrist-spinner after Shane Warne, can shake up England’s batting line-up.
Apart from this, Chappell also talked about including Arshdeep Singh in the team, especially if Jasprit Bumrah is not available.
He says that India needs to bring variety in bowling and not rely on all-rounders who are neither showing great batting nor bowling.
Jadeja’s batting was also not very special in this Test. He scored just 36 runs in two innings, and his habit of staying at the crease disappointed the fans.
Earlier also in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Jadeja was dropped from the opening Test, but later he made a brilliant comeback. Still, his recent performance in England remains a headache for the selectors.
India are now preparing for the second Test to be held at Edgbaston from July 2. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has indicated that the team may field two spinners, with Kuldeep’s name at the forefront.
Chappell advised the selectors to take bold decisions and focus on specialist bowlers.
