Edgbaston Test: Calls Mount for India to Unleash Kuldeep Yadav's Spin Against England

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

The pivotal second Test match between India and England at Edgbaston is fast approaching, and the question on everyone's mind is: What adjustments will the Indian squad make following their initial defeat? Will Kuldeep Yadav's spin be unleashed?

Kuldeep Yadav could be key for India in the second Test.

While the team management has indicated that Jasprit Bumrah's participation will be limited to three of the five Tests to manage his workload, the composition of the bowling attack remains a topic of intense speculation.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah showcased his prowess by claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings. However, he remained wicketless in the second, shouldering the burden of nearly 44 overs as England successfully chased down a target of 371.

The potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test is gaining traction, particularly given the expectation that the Birmingham pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Yadav'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 noted on Star Sports.

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former Indian batter, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that India should consider bringing in both Kuldeep 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 stated.

The five-match Test series commenced at Headingley, Leeds, where England clinched a five-wicket victory. Following the second Test at Edgbaston (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 forms a crucial part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.