Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion for Second England Test Gains Momentum Amid Bowling Attack Concerns

As India prepares for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2, the composition of the playing XI is under intense scrutiny. Following a defeat in the first Test, experts and fans alike are pondering the changes India might make to level the series 1-1.

Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)

One of the biggest questions revolves around the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav. The young spinner's exclusion from the first Test raised eyebrows, and now, with the expectation that the Edgbaston pitch will favor spin, his inclusion is being heavily considered.

Adding to the strategic considerations, the Indian team management has indicated that Jasprit Bumrah’s participation will be limited to three of the five Tests to manage his workload and injury concerns. While Bumrah delivered a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the first Test, he went wicketless in the second, raising questions about the bowling attack's consistency.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Kuldeep Yadav, stating, "The team will have to give some thought to how we can bring Kuldeep Yadav into the XI, because judging by the approach we saw from the England batters in the first Test, Kuldeep — who bowls wrist spin — could be effective. Historically, England’s batters haven’t played wrist spin particularly well. So that is definitely something worth considering."

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former India batter, suggested a more comprehensive change, advocating for the inclusion of both Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Arshdeep Singh. "I think one change could be replacing Shardul — I’d definitely look to include a bowler. And maybe instead of Prasidh Krishna, I’d look to add some variety. So probably, my changes would be Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav coming into the XI. But then again, the final XI will depend on the conditions," Badrinath said.

The five-match Test series began at Headingley, Leeds, where England won by five wickets. The series will continue as follows:

• Second Test: Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2-6)
• Third Test: Lord’s, London (July 10-14)
• Fourth Test: Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27)
• Final Test: Kennington Oval, London (July 31 – August 4)

This series is a part of the World Test Championship cycle, adding further importance to each match.