Thu Sep 26 13:05:30 UTC 2024: ## Kuldeep Yadav Key for India in Kanpur Test, Says Hanuma Vihari
Kanpur, India – India’s middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari believes left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is essential for India’s second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur. Vihari, an expert with JioCinema & Sports18, highlighted the need for variety in the spin department on the black-soil pitch.
“I think Kuldeep has to play in the eleven because if you have all fingers spinners, I don’t think you’ll get much assistance from the pitch in Kanpur,” Vihari stated. He added that the pitch is expected to offer less assistance for spinners than the Chennai pitch, which saw India dominate Bangladesh in the first Test.
Vihari further emphasized Kuldeep’s familiarity with the Kanpur conditions as a key factor in his inclusion. “He knows the conditions here best, so I think it’s a no-brainer – if the wicket doesn’t offer anything for the fast bowlers if there’s no grass on the pitch I think it’s a straightaway Kuldeep in for one of the fast bowlers,” he added.
Vihari also acknowledged the unique challenge that the Kanpur pitch will present for bowlers. “With the experience of me playing in Kanpur and watching games, I feel it will be a slow wicket as compared to Chennai. It will have less bounce than what we’ve seen in Chennai because there, they played on a red soil pitch which offered more bounce. But Kanpur pitch will test the bowlers. They have to be really patient to get wickets and batters will have a good time in Kanpur compared to what it was in Chennai.”
While praising the duo of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja for their outstanding performance in the first Test, Vihari believes the Kanpur pitch may demand a different approach. “They’re one and two in the best all-rounders in the world, but the impact they create with the bat is humongous. In the first innings at Chennai, where India were in trouble at 144/6, Ashwin got a century and bailed out India in a difficult situation.” However, Vihari hinted that the Kanpur pitch might demand a different approach and that Kuldeep’s inclusion would add much needed variety.
With India holding a 1-0 lead in the series, the Kanpur Test promises to be a fascinating encounter. Vihari’s insights highlight the strategic considerations surrounding team selection, particularly on a unique pitch like Kanpur’s.
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