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Veteran Spinner Questions India's Puzzling Team Choices for Crucial Test
1 Aug
Summary
- Former RCB and India spinner Murali Kartik surprised by Arshdeep Singh's exclusion
- Kartik praises comeback player Karun Nair's unbeaten fifty on Day 1
- Uncertainty over Jasprit Bumrah's fitness and selection despite recovery time
In the lead-up to the fifth Test between India and England, which began on July 31, 2025, former Royal Challengers Bangalore and India spinner Murali Kartik has weighed in on the visitors' team selection.
Kartik was surprised that rising star Arshdeep Singh did not make the cut, despite the conditions seemingly suiting a left-arm pacer. He noted that Arshdeep's exclusion was puzzling, given his strong physique and ability to swing the ball. Kartik felt Arshdeep could have been a valuable addition to the team, especially with Jasprit Bumrah missing the match.
However, Kartik did praise the inclusion of Karun Nair, who made a comeback to the Indian team. Nair scored an unbeaten fifty on the opening day, impressing Kartik with his solid performance in the middle order.
The 48-year-old also expressed confusion over the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Bumrah's fitness and selection. Despite having ample recovery time between Tests, Bumrah had missed key matches, and his exclusion from the fifth Test was not entirely unexpected, according to Kartik.
The former spinner questioned the lack of clarity from the medical team and the team management regarding Bumrah's availability, noting that sometimes the internal feelings of a player can be difficult for outsiders to fully comprehend.
