India should play Kuldeep & Jadeja at Leeds: Harbhajan

New Delhi, Jun 16: 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 alongside Ravindra Jadeja.

The series opener begins at Leeds on June 20. Traditionally, the surface at Leeds aids the 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 the kind of perfect match for this game," Harbhajan told PTI Videos on Monday.

The turbanator 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 in 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.

“We went with five best bowlers who can pick wickets. That’s what matters in the end. You have to back those bowlers who can pick wickets in any conditions or any kind of wicket,” he said.