The fifth England vs India Test will start on Thursday. Kuldeep Yadav, who is yet to play a match in the tour, is still not certain for the match as well. While the surface at the venue is known for helping spinners in the latter part of the game, the stunning performance of Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar might see them playing together again.

While speaking about it, former India player Sanjay Manjrekar said on ESPNcricinfo, “Sometimes you might think you get carried away with the batting form of batters because who could have thought that Washy could be a possible No. 5 in a Test match? And Jadeja as No. 6, almost batting like a pure batter. But India will have to start trusting their batting line-up despite Rishabh Pant not being a part of it. And Kuldeep Yadav will have to come back. There have been so many moments in this series where you would have imagined Kuldeep being part of the Indian bowling attack.”

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“We have talked about the moments when India could make a difference and win a game. And that’s where Kuldeep Yadav could have been really handy. So, he comes in, and Shardul Thakur sits out. But here is what I am hearing. You might see Shardul Thakur playing, and this comes from people who know the Indian coach well. But for me, it [Kuldeep playing] is a no-brainer,” he further added.

On the other hand, England captain Ben Stokes will miss the fifth and final Test vs India due to a shoulder injury. England vice-captain Ollie Pope will lead in Stokes’ absence as well.