Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns

Gavaskar Advocates for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Against England

Following India's recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to make strategic changes to the playing XI for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar specifically highlighted the potential inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting he replace Shardul Thakur to exploit the expected conditions favorable to wrist spin.

Kuldeep Yadav alongside Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja during a practice session.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated during a broadcast on Tuesday. "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."

Thakur, who was making his first Test appearance in over two years, had a limited impact on the game. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and scored a mere five runs across both innings. While he briefly sparked hope by dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook with consecutive deliveries in the second innings, Gavaskar deemed his overall performance insufficient.

Despite Kuldeep Yadav's previous underwhelming Test performance in England at Lord's in 2018, where he went wicketless, Gavaskar believes that his unique variations could prove crucial in the Birmingham Test.

Concerns Over Middle Order Performance

Gavaskar also addressed concerns surrounding the performance of the middle order, particularly focusing on debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley, which triggered a collapse after India reached a strong position of 430/3, eventually being bowled out for 471.

While Gavaskar is not immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he suggested a potential 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 said.

Following their disappointing loss to England, the Indian team will be aiming to level the series when they meet England at Edgbaston, with the match scheduled to commence on July 2.