In a recent statement, former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara expressed his disapproval of suggestions to replace Kuldeep Yadav with debutant Saransh Jain for the upcoming second Test against Sri Lanka. Pujara emphasized that he would be disappointed if such a change were made, highlighting Kuldeep’s contribution despite bowling only 25 overs and taking one wicket in the first Test. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar delivered strong performances, raising questions about Kuldeep’s position in the playing XI. However, Pujara firmly believes that India should maintain their winning lineup without alterations.
He’s a quality bowler. You don’t make too many changes when it comes to Test cricket. You don’t change a winning combination. Pujara went on to claim that Kuldeep should be backed by the team management even if he fails in the second Test. “Even if he doesn’t perform well in the second Test match, I still feel someone like Kuldeep should be backed. He is a quality bowler, and you don’t need to think too far ahead. I still feel you take one match at a time and one series at a time. Maybe in New Zealand, he may not get the opportunity to be part of the playing 11th. So you just continue with him in the second Test match.
Because someone like Kuldeep should be given another opportunity, “But I will be disappointed if that change happens. So I feel Kuldeep should be part of the playing 11,” he added.
“In my opinion, India should go with the same playing 11, but I have been hearing that instead of Kuldeep, Saransh can come into the playing 11 because Sri Lanka has a lot of left-handers,” Pujara told ESPNCricinfo. And then when it comes to playing against Australia, I think he will be the key,” he said.
