Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in 2nd Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns

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

Following a disappointing five-wicket defeat to England in the Leeds Test, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to make strategic changes to the playing XI. Gavaskar specifically highlighted the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial second Test in Birmingham. He suggests Yadav replace Shardul Thakur, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin at the venue.

Kuldeep Yadav pictured with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja

Speaking on Tuesday, Gavaskar stated, "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team. 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, failed to deliver a significant performance in the Leeds Test. He bowled a mere six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. He also managed only five runs across both innings with the bat. While Thakur briefly impressed in the second innings by dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook off consecutive deliveries, Gavaskar believes his overall performance was not compelling enough to retain his place in the team.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England, which was at Lord’s in 2018, where he did not manage to take any wickets. Despite this, Gavaskar emphasizes that Yadav's variation could prove to be crucial in the Birmingham Test.

Gavaskar also addressed concerns about the middle order, especially regarding debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley, causing a collapse from a promising 430/3 to 471 all out.

While Gavaskar is not inclined to drop either player immediately, he suggested a possible reshuffle if India falls 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 the painful loss to England at Headingley on Day 5, India is determined to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, with the match starting on July 2.