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 in the Leeds Test, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI. A key recommendation is the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur for the crucial second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar believes the conditions at Edgbaston will favor wrist spin.

Kuldeep Yadav with teammates during a match.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar asserted 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's performance in the previous Test, his first in over two years, was underwhelming. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. He also managed a mere five runs across both innings. Despite a brief moment of brilliance in the second innings, where he dismissed Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession, Gavaskar felt his overall contribution was insufficient.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England, at Lord's in 2018, where he went wicketless. However, Gavaskar is confident that Kuldeep's variety and skill set could prove invaluable in Birmingham.

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 triggered a significant setback for the team, transforming a promising 430/3 score into a final total of 471 all out.

While Gavaskar isn't immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he suggested a potential reshuffle should India fall 0-2 behind 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 defeat to England at Headingley, India is determined to level the series when they meet England at Edgbaston on July 2.