The Indian cricket team made three changes to their playing XI for the crucial fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy at Old Trafford, Manchester, but Kuldeep Yadav still failed to break into the side. This continued exclusion has sparked frustration among fans and experts alike, especially with the match being a virtual must-win for India in the five-Test series against England.

Kuldeep Yadav overlooked again despite India making three changes for Manchester Test against England

Despite widespread calls for his inclusion, Kuldeep was once again ignored, as India handed a debut cap to young pacer Anshul Kamboj. The left-arm wrist-spinner, known for his variety and ability to turn games, has not been picked in any of the four Tests so far. What raised further eyebrows is that captain Shubman Gill hasn’t addressed Kuldeep’s repeated omission publicly. Fans have been vocal in demanding answers, especially considering the team’s struggles in the spin department and the absence of all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy due to injury,  a spot many believed Kuldeep was ideally suited to fill.

For the Manchester Test, India brought in Kamboj in place of the injured Akash Deep, while Sai Sudharsan replaced Karun Nair, who was dropped due to poor form. Shardul Thakur returned to the XI, taking the spot of injured Nitish Reddy. The inclusion of Thakur over Kuldeep has been heavily criticized, especially considering Thakur’s recent dip in form and limited impact.

Also READ: Test Stats and Records at the Old Trafford, Manchester

ENG vs IND: Kuldeep’s match-winning potential ignored again

There’s growing discontent among supporters and former players, who believe that India’s management is showing more faith in Thakur and debutant Kamboj rather than backing a proven performer like Kuldeep. Many feel that Kuldeep’s unique left-arm wrist spin could have added much-needed variety and balance to the bowling attack in conditions where he has previously done well.

Kuldeep’s ability to break partnerships with his sharp spin, variations, and unorthodox action makes him a valuable asset particularly on surfaces where spinners could play a decisive role. Yet, despite the injuries and opportunity gaps in the lineup, India continues to overlook his services. Many expected Kuldeep to slot in for Reddy, offering an attacking option and experience. But once again, the team management went a different route, a move that has not gone down well with sections of the cricketing community.

Here’s how fans reacted:

Don’t think anyone else but @ashwinravi99 can understand what Kuldeep is going through today. The story of benching India’s best spinner continues…

— Siddharth Audhinarayanan (@sidaudhi) July 23, 2025

Anyways the Kuldeep one doesn’t even surprise me anymore, feels like that ship has sailed.

— Prashanth (@ps_it_is) July 23, 2025

Other than Jasprit Bumrah, which bowler would England least like to face at Old Trafford? Surely Kuldeep Yadav.

Old Trafford and wrist spinners go together.

India, previously with Ashwin, and now with Kuldeep, don’t seem to play to their strengths.#ENGvIND #ENGvsIND

— James Buttler | Cricket Badger Podcast 🏏🦡🇺🇦 (@cricket_badger) July 23, 2025

Why Shardul Thakur??
Kuldeep Yadav would add variety as he is an unorthodox left arm bowler.

— Shrin (@ShrrinG) July 23, 2025

Every coach and captain of India has/had a bunch of fav cricketers whom they give a longer rope.
But all of them have hated Kuldeep Yadav. So irritating 😭

— Meghahaha (@themegheffect) July 23, 2025

Gambhir & Gill team selection sucks. Always looking for extra batter for a good bowler. They have destroyed a rare talent like Kuldeep Yadav who will walk into any team. How stupid can they be in picking Shardul again & again? It’s a one day match team. #INDvsENG

— N. K.Narasimhan (@NKNarasimhan1) July 23, 2025

Every coach and captain of India has/had a bunch of fav cricketers whom they give a longer rope.
But all of them have hated Kuldeep Yadav. So irritating 😭

— Meghahaha (@themegheffect) July 23, 2025

In the place of Shardul Thakur Team India could have played Kuldeep Yadav.

Sundar and Jadeja were too good in the last test but a wrist spinner would have been a better choice.#KuldeepYadav can bat as well and inclusion of #AnshulKamboj is good decision as he can bat as well.

— Cinema & Cricket (@Durgesh180790) July 23, 2025

Wonder why our test team management does not believe in Kuldeep. I mean NKR earlier and Shardul as well, did not get you much runs. So picking Kuldeep over them would have been a good option on the bowling front.

— Suresh (@Raaga_Suresh) July 23, 2025

No point picking Thakur if he’s not going to be trusted with the ball. Kuldeep the much better and aggressive option #INDvENG

— PRCricketchat (@PRcricketchat) July 23, 2025

Also READ: ENG vs IND: Fans go wild as Anshul Kamboj makes his international debut for India in Manchester Test