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‘X-factor spinner…’: Former English cricketer suggests India to play Kuldeep Yadav in second Test against England
Former England bowler Monty Panesar believes that India should rest Shardul Thakur and replace him with Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test in Edgbaston, as he comes in as an 'X-factor' for the team.
Last Updated on - June 25, 2025 11:25 AM IST
Former England spinner Monty Panesar believes that India should name Kuldeep Yadav in place of seam-bowling allrounder Shardul Thakur for the second Test of the five-match series, as spin is going to have a major role in Edgbaston.
India lost the first Test on Tuesday at Leeds as the hosts chased down a stiff 371 on the final day courtesy a brilliant 149 by opener Ben Duckett.
“At Edgbaston, India could probably play (Ravindra) Jadeja and could actually go for the X-factor spinner in Kuldeep Yadav…we know that the Edgbaston wicket does turn a little bit. So you have that bit of an X-factor, which I think would be a better option. There’s something about him,” Panesar told PTI Videos.
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“He doesn’t need turning tracks. This IPL showed that even without exaggerated turn, he can bowl tough lines that make life difficult for batters,” he added.
Shardul Thakur bowled only 16 overs, bagged 2 wickets, gave away 89 runs and failed to make a significant impact with the bat. This has raised questions about his allrounder value on England pitches.\
“If Shardul Thakur is only going to bowl six to eight overs and not give you 15 overs in the day, there’s no point in playing him,” Panesar pointed out.