Pressure Mounts on India to Include Kuldeep Yadav in Second Test Against England

India vs England: Calls Grow for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test

Following their defeat in the first Test, speculation is rife regarding the changes India might make to their lineup for the crucial second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting July 2. A key question revolves around the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav.

Kuldeep Yadav pictured during a previous match.

The Indian team management has already indicated that Jasprit Bumrah will likely feature in only three of the five Tests, a decision influenced by workload management considerations and his past injury concerns. The specifics of which matches he will play remain uncertain. In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second, shouldering a significant workload of nearly 44 overs as England successfully chased down a target of 371.

The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the first Test raised eyebrows. However, the loss has amplified calls for his inclusion in the second Test, given expectations that the Birmingham pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Kuldeep's wrist spin. "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," Bangar stated on Star Sports.

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former India batter, suggests that India should consider including both Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Edgbaston Test.

"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 explained.

The five-match Test series commenced with the first game at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24, where England emerged victorious by five wickets. Following the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham (July 2-6), the series will move to Lord’s, London (July 10-14), Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27), and conclude at the Kennington Oval, London (July 31-August 4). This series is a part of the World Test Championship cycle.