Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns, Cites Edgbaston Spin Advantage

Following a disappointing five-wicket defeat to England in the Leeds Test, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI. He particularly emphasized the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial second Test in Birmingham.

Gavaskar believes that the conditions at Edgbaston will favor wrist spin, making Kuldeep Yadav a valuable asset.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated during a recent broadcast. "I do believe that he should come into the team for Shardul Thakur because the Birmingham pitch will be one where there will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner."

Kuldeep Yadav with teammates Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja.

Thakur's performance in the Leeds Test was underwhelming. He took to the field for his first Test in two years, but failed to leave a significant mark, taking no wickets and scoring only 5 runs across both innings. While he did manage to dismiss Ben Stokes and Harry Brook with consecutive deliveries in the second innings, Gavaskar believes that his overall performance was not up to par.

Despite having played only one Test in England back in 2018 at Lord's where he was wicketless, Gavaskar believes that Kuldeep Yadav's variation could be a game-changer in Birmingham.

Addressing Middle Order Concerns

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This collapse led to India going from 430/3 to 471 all out.

While Gavaskar isn't advocating for their immediate removal from the team, he suggested a possible reshuffle if India falls behind 0-2 in the series.

"If things don't go well in the second Test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair)... I don't want to drop them at the moment. Then I'd also look at Washington (Sundar), so that it really gives you a more solid batting, and also get a little more variety as far the bowling is concerned," he explained.

Following their painful defeat against England at Headingley, Team India will be determined to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2.