India should play both Kuldeep and Jadeja at Leeds, says Harbhajan

 NEW DELHI: Spin great Harbhajan Singh has thrown his weight behind wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav to start in India’s playing XI for the first Test against England at Headingley, alongside Ravindra Jadeja. The series opener begins on June 20 at Leeds , where traditionally, the surface aids pacers more than the spinners.

“India should look to play Kuldeep Yadav. Of course, Jadeja will bowl with him. So, two spinners with three seamers would be perfect for this game,” Harbhajan told on Monday.

The tweaker termed the left-arm wrist spinner as a potential match-winner irrespective of the conditions.

“Let’s see if conditions will change or favour the spinners. But even if it doesn’t, I think these are two capable bowlers who can take wickets on any wicket,” he said.

Drawing on his own experience, Harbhajan recalled India’s bold decision to field two spinners at Headingley in 2002, when he and Anil Kumble bagged 11 wickets between them on a green top.

“That was a very unique decision at that point of time. The pitch was as green as we are standing on this grass... But the management decided we’ll go with two spinners and two fast bowlers and Sanjay Bangar will bowl as well.” Agencies

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