Former India opener and cricket analyst Aakash Chopra has criticised the team management’s tendency to prioritise all-round options over specialist bowlers, particularly in the context of the ongoing Test series against England. Reacting to reports suggesting Washington Sundar could play ahead of Kuldeep Yadav at Edgbaston, Chopra warned that such a move would be “barking up the wrong tree.”
Aakash Chopra’s Strong Reaction
In his analysis video posted on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated:
“If they play Washington Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav, they’re barking up the wrong tree. I understand the allure of batting depth, but you don’t pick a spinner for his batting at Edgbaston. You pick him to take wickets.”
India’s Spin Dilemma Ahead of Edgbaston Test
The team management is contemplating the inclusion of an off-spinning all-rounder like Washington Sundar to bolster batting depth after the lower order’s collapse in the previous Test. However, critics argue:
- Kuldeep Yadav, a left-arm wrist spinner, provides genuine wicket-taking threat, especially against England’s aggressive middle order.
- Washington Sundar offers control and batting, but has played minimal red-ball cricket in recent months.
Why Edgbaston Demands Specialist Spinners
Chopra elaborated:
“Edgbaston isn’t a rank turner, but wrist spin brings variety. Kuldeep can extract bounce and drift even if there’s little turn. Washington is steady but unlikely to run through a batting lineup.”
He added that India already has Ravindra Jadeja for all-round balance:
- Jadeja’s record at Edgbaston: 3 Tests, 11 wickets, batting average 39.2.
- Kuldeep’s last Test vs England (home, 2024): 6 wickets, including Joe Root twice.
Recent Performances of Kuldeep vs Washington
| Player | Format (Recent) | Wickets | Batting Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuldeep Yadav | Test vs ENG (Feb 2024) | 6 in 2 innings | 38 runs |
| Washington Sundar | Ranji Trophy (2024-25) | 4 wickets in 3 matches | 122 runs |
Chopra Criticises India’s ‘All-Rounder Obsession’
The former opener noted India’s recurring preference for batting depth:
“We did this in WTC Final too – picking a bowler who bats a bit over a pure wicket-taker. Against England, you need 20 wickets. Batting depth doesn’t matter if you can’t bowl them out twice.”
Expert Reactions
Harbhajan Singh
“Kuldeep should play. England will target off-spinners more. A wrist spinner is always an asset.”
Michael Vaughan
“I would pick Sundar. Batting depth hurts England’s bowlers and keeps games alive.”
Wasim Jaffer
“Chopra is right. Kuldeep can be the X-factor on Day 4 and 5.”
What India’s Playing XI Could Look Like
If they follow Chopra’s suggestion:
- Rohit Sharma (c)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Mukesh Kumar
- Akash Deep
If they pick Sundar instead:
- Sundar replaces Kuldeep at No.7, adding batting but reducing wrist spin options.
Final Takeaway
Aakash Chopra’s critique underlines a broader debate in Indian cricket – specialisation versus batting depth. While Washington Sundar’s inclusion strengthens the lower order, Kuldeep Yadav offers a genuine wicket-taking edge crucial to dismissing a formidable English lineup twice.
With the Edgbaston Test pivotal for India to extend their series lead, the team management’s selection will reflect their strategic priorities: batting insurance or attacking bowling options to seal the series decisively.
Disclaimer: Player quotes are sourced from Aakash Chopra’s YouTube channel and official Test squad reports. For live updates on India’s playing XI announcement, follow BCCI and England Cricket Board broadcasts.
