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

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

Following India's five-wicket defeat to England in the Leeds Test, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider immediate changes to the playing XI. His primary recommendation is the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, potentially replacing Shardul Thakur for the crucial second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar believes the conditions at Edgbaston are likely to favor wrist spin.

Kuldeep Yadav seen with teammates.

"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 playing his first Test match in over two years, struggled to make a significant impact in the first test. He bowled six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and only managed to score five runs across both innings. Although he briefly sparked some hope in the second innings by dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook with consecutive deliveries, Gavaskar felt his overall performance was not convincing enough to retain his place in the team.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England back in 2018 at Lord's, where he went wicketless. However, Gavaskar believes that his variation could prove to be a valuable asset in the Birmingham conditions.

Gavaskar also addressed concerns about India's middle order, specifically 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 a strong position of 430/3 to being all out for 471.

While Gavaskar is not advocating for their immediate removal from the team, he hinted at 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 explained.

Following their painful loss to England at Headingley on Day 5, India will be aiming to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, with the match starting on July 2.