ENG Vs IND: Harbhajan Singh Recommends Dropping Nitish Kumar Reddy In Bold Move Ahead Of Manchester Test

With the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy delicately poised at 2-1 in England’s favour, Team India faces a daunting task heading into the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester. Win, and they keep the series alive heading into The Oval. Lose, and it’s another painful overseas defeat added to the record books.

While the management weighs strategies and fitness concerns—especially with injuries to India’s pace attack—former India spinner Harbhajan Singh has stirred the debate pot with a bold, tactical recommendation. According to the veteran off-spinner, Kuldeep Yadav must be brought into the XI, and Nitish Kumar Reddy should make way.

But is Harbhajan’s suggestion just a hunch—or rooted in deeper cricketing logic? Let’s break it down.

The Series So Far: India’s Patchy Journey

Before diving into the specific suggestion, it’s worth reflecting on the context. After a hard-fought win at Trent Bridge, England stormed back at Lord’s and Edgbaston. With India’s batting looking brittle, and the bowling unit struck by injuries, many pundits believe the visitors have been playing with a fragile balance.

Enter Harbhajan Singh’s perspective—anchored not in conservatism, but in a belief that India must embrace boldness to unlock a turnaround.

Harbhajan’s Statement: Trust in the Spinner, Not the Safe Bet

In an exclusive interview with SportsTak, Harbhajan Singh minced no words:

“I had said before the Lord’s Test and also for the Birmingham Test that Kuldeep should play. Because the kind of free-flowing batting these Englishmen do, it is not that easy to contain them. But if a spinner can turn it both ways, he becomes a mystery bowler—and he can take wickets at crucial times.”

Harbhajan wasn’t done. He took a direct call on selection:

“If it was my team, I would drop Nitish Kumar Reddy and bring in Kuldeep. Let a few overs be bowled. If nothing much is happening, Kuldeep can break through. That’s what Test cricket needs—variation and wicket-takers.”

Harbhajan’s Point-by-Point Rationale: Explained

England’s Aggressive Batting Needs a Disruptor

The hallmark of England under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum has been aggressive batting—Bazball, as it’s come to be known. Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Harry Brook, and Ben Duckett have shown they’re unafraid of taking the attack to the bowlers.

Kuldeep Yadav, with his wrist spin, googly variations, and flighted deliveries, can be the exact disruptor needed to stall their momentum.

“They play too freely. Kuldeep can beat them in the air or off the pitch. That’s what you need when your seamers are not at full strength,” Harbhajan noted.

Kuldeep’s Current Form and Red-Ball Revival

Many forget that Kuldeep has quietly stitched together a red-ball resurgence. In recent first-class games, and limited opportunities in Test matches, he has shown:

A more consistent control of length
Better stamina for long spells
The same wicked wrist-spin that made him a sensation in 2017-18

He picked up 5 wickets in the two unofficial Tests for India A against England Lions earlier this year. He’s been training with the squad throughout this series. It’s not a case of a player being thrown in cold.

Nitish Kumar Reddy: A Talent for the Future, But Not the Present

There’s no doubt Nitish Kumar Reddy is a rising star—his all-round ability makes him a tantalising prospect. But Harbhajan’s argument is clear: in this moment, India needs specialists, not experiments.

Nitish’s impact with the bat has been limited. His bowling has offered control, but not menace. If India needs wickets to win a Test, he might not yet be the bowler to count on.

“In Tests, you can’t just wait for the new ball. Sometimes the spinner has to open things up after 20 overs. Kuldeep can do that. Nitish can’t—yet,” Harbhajan observed.

Old Trafford: A Pitch That Can Reward Spin

Historically, Old Trafford has aided spinners—especially in the second half of Tests. Shane Warne, Ravindra Jadeja, and Graeme Swann have all tasted success here.

The 2023 Ashes Test at this venue saw Moeen Ali play a crucial holding role, and India’s R Ashwin spun a web here back in 2014.

If Kuldeep is given license to bowl on Day 3 and 4 when footmarks and wear become factors, he could run through the middle and lower order.

The Element of Surprise

Kuldeep hasn’t played in the series yet. This means that none of the English batters have faced him under Test-match pressure in these conditions.

This surprise factor matters.

England’s game planning is data-heavy. If they don’t have recent red-ball footage or matchups against Kuldeep, it might just make them second-guess—especially under overcast skies and scoreboard pressure.

“You need to attack from both ends. Kuldeep gives that variety. Why wait till you’re 3-1 down?” Harbhajan asked pointedly.

The Selection Dilemma: What Will Dravid and Rohit Do?

Here lies the real drama.

Rohit Sharma has often opted for experience and stability. Nitish offers batting depth, some overs, and energy. Dropping him could be seen as a risk.

But can India afford to be risk-averse when only a win will keep the series alive?

The team management has long been accused of being too loyal or conservative in selection. Kuldeep has been in and out of the team despite good performances. This could be the time to back him.

What Experts Are Saying

Harbhajan isn’t alone in calling for change. Here’s what others have suggested:

Wasim Jaffer tweeted support for “three full bowlers and one attacking spinner.”
Michael Vaughan warned India that “Old Trafford will turn more than they think.”
Aakash Chopra also hinted that “India’s team balance needs a rethink for Manchester.”

So the voices are growing louder—and not just from ex-cricketers with media platforms, but fans, analysts, and even former selectors.

The Risk vs Reward: What Happens If India Doesn’t Listen?

Let’s be honest—England are riding momentum. Bazball is working. Their batting depth, fast bowlers (especially Mark Wood), and relentless scoring pressure have exposed India’s vulnerabilities.

Without a fresh plan, India could be steamrolled again.

And if India lose in Manchester, the fifth Test becomes a dead rubber. The series would be lost. Momentum would shift entirely to the hosts, and the narrative of India’s overseas struggles would continue.

In such a scenario, not playing Kuldeep could be viewed as a missed opportunity.

Final Word: The Case for Courage

Cricket, like all elite sports, favours the brave.

Harbhajan Singh, once known for his own fearless, match-winning spells in 2001 and 2008, has made a recommendation rooted in cricketing sense and experience. He’s not playing to headlines—he’s playing for results.

If India wants to script a comeback in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy and enter The Oval with belief rather than survival instincts, now is the time for boldness.

Bring in Kuldeep. Shake up the balance. Play to win, not to avoid defeat.

Because history remembers the teams that dared.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/