Former India Star Calls for Thakur's Ouster, Yadav's Inclusion After Test Loss

Former Cricketer Advocates for Bowling Shake-Up After Test Defeat

Following India's defeat to England in the first Test, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar is urging a strategic overhaul of the team's bowling attack. He specifically suggests bringing in left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur for the second Test. Manjrekar believes this adjustment is crucial to address the bowling deficiencies exposed during England's successful chase of 371 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja faced criticism for his performance against England in the first Test.

While Jasprit Bumrah impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, the other pace bowlers, including Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Shardul Thakur, struggled to make a significant impact. England ultimately secured a victory with five wickets to spare.

"Kuldeep Yadav has to come back. I'm sorry to say, but Shardul Thakur has to go out," Manjrekar stated on 'Match Centre Live'. He emphasized the need for India to prioritize quality bowlers, even if it means adjusting the team's balance.

Shardul Thakur's place in the team is under scrutiny following the first Test.

"If that means playing two spinners, so be it. Pick your best bowlers, irrespective of the conditions... I'd go one seamer short and bring Kuldeep into the XI. He has to play."

Manjrekar further highlighted the evolving nature of English conditions, noting that drier summers are increasingly conducive to spin bowling.

"Let's also acknowledge that English summers these days are largely dry... and that does open the door for spin. In a way, it's time to reintroduce the idea of India playing spin in England... India need to embrace the same clarity." He added, "If Kuldeep is in your squad, play him. Don't go with seamers just because you're playing in England."

Expectations from Jadeja

While acknowledging the need for improvement from younger players like Prasidh Krishna, Manjrekar expressed disappointment with Ravindra Jadeja's performance.

"I am going to be critical of Ravindra Jadeja. This was a final-day pitch with rough patches for him to exploit... we have to expect more from someone of his experience."

Manjrekar felt that Jadeja didn't utilize the rough patches effectively enough, especially against Ben Duckett. "When you're dealing with experienced bowlers and seasoned batters, you expect a higher level of tactical awareness. Somewhere, I felt Jadeja was disappointing... Jadeja at least had something in the pitch working in his favor."