Former Indian cricketer Arun Lal believes the side should compromise on batting depth and add the left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the third Test against England at Lord’s, starting July 10 as well. However, Kuldeep is yet to play a Test in the series as well.

Talking to the PTI about India’s combination before the all-important Lord’s Test, Arun Lal said (via Indian Express): “It’s a big question as far as I’m concerned. You’re playing so many batters till number nine and I’m not in favour of that. You need impact bowlers. Kuldeep is in form, and England’s lower order can struggle against wrist spin.”

Arun Lal also praised the Indian side for proving critics wrong with their performances in the first two Tests of the England tour as well.

“I must admit that when this team was going to England, I didn’t think they had this kind of determination, this kind of belief, this kind of capability. This team has performed far better than expected, and I am so glad about that. These youngsters, once given a chance and that confidence, you better watch out. If you’re sitting out, it will be difficult to break in soon,” said Arun Lal

Meanwhile, former Indian batter Dilip Vengsarkar praised skipper Shubman Gill for his incredible batting in the ongoing England Test series.

Vengsarkar said (via Indian Express): “He did very well as a captain, as a batsman, it was very important that he scored runs so that he can call the shots and he can lead from the front, which is very important and he has done that. He is an experienced player. He is a world-class batsman and he that showed in England. Because of the English conditions, everybody was thinking what will happen to the Indian team in the absence of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. But these young players have shown that they are capable of doing it and I am very proud of them.”