IND vs ENG: Manjrekar Calls for Thakur's Axe, Urges India to Unleash Yadav's Spin in Second Test

Following India's disappointing defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar is urging the team management to make significant alterations to the bowling attack. Manjrekar specifically advocates for the inclusion of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting Shardul Thakur should be dropped to address the bowling deficiencies exposed during England's successful chase of 371 runs.

Ravindra Jadeja under scrutiny after the first Test.

While Jasprit Bumrah shone 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. This allowed England to secure 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 quality bowlers, even if it means adjusting the team balance.

"That is one change India will have to make...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 English conditions, noting the increasing suitability for spin bowling due to drier summers, potentially linked to global warming.

Shardul Thakur faces criticism after the first Test.

"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. Ben Stokes has already changed the narrative with common-sense, aggressive cricket. India need to embrace the same clarity."

He recalled a time when India confidently fielded three spinners regardless of the location. "If Kuldeep is in your squad, play him. Don't go with seamers just because you're playing in England. I'd drop one seamer and bring in Kuldeep Yadav."

Jadeja Faces Scrutiny: "Expect More"

Manjrekar tempered criticism of younger players like Prasidh Krishna, acknowledging their potential for growth. However, he directed sharper criticism towards Ravindra Jadeja.

"It's not fair to be overly critical of younger players...But 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."

He expressed disappointment in Jadeja's tactical approach, particularly his delayed use of the rough patches against Ben Duckett.

"I felt he didn't use the rough nearly enough...When you're dealing with experienced bowlers and seasoned batters, you expect a higher level of tactical awareness. Somewhere, I felt Jadeja was disappointing...but Jadeja at least had something in the pitch working in his favour."