Former India head coach Greg Chappell has raised eyebrows with his pointed remarks about Ravindra Jadeja’s role in the Indian Test setup during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Jadeja featured as India’s frontline spinner in the opening Test at Headingley but failed to make any significant impact with the ball, especially during England’s successful fourth-innings chase of 371 runs.

The Saurashtra all-rounder came under scrutiny for not being able to exploit the rough patches outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump on a final-day surface that offered opportunities. Chappell, writing in his column for ESPNCricinfo, questioned Jadeja’s effectiveness in English conditions, suggesting he lacks the necessary skill set to be India’s lead spinner on such pitches.

“Jadeja is not a front-line spinner in English conditions. If his batting is considered good enough, he can play as a supporting spinner. Otherwise, a rethink is necessary. If India are to reverse their fortunes in this series, they must field a better balanced team,” Greg Chappell noted.

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He also criticized India’s tendency to include batting all-rounders or part-time bowlers as a buffer for top-order collapses. In his view, such strategies dilute the team’s ability to claim 20 wickets — the primary requirement to win a Test.

“I don’t agree with selecting an extra batter who can bowl just to guard against a top-order failure. The top six must be trusted to get the runs, while the bowling unit should comprise the best specialists available to take wickets,” Greg Chappell wrote.

Highlighting the need for bold decision-making, Chappell called on the selectors to show the same courage they expect from players on the field.

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“The selectors are the ones under pressure now. If players are expected to take risks, selectors too must be brave with their choices,” he added.

The second Test kicks off on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham.