Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion, Questions Bumrah's Fitness Ahead of Second Test Against England

Wednesday - 16/07/2025 04:32
Following India's defeat to England, Sunil Gavaskar suggested that spinner Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur for the Birmingham Test, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin. Gavaskar also expressed concerns about the middle order, particularly Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair after their dismissals.

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

Following India's setback against England in the Leeds Test, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI. He specifically highlighted the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav as a potential game-changer for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar believes that the pitch conditions at Edgbaston will likely favor wrist spin, making Yadav a valuable asset.

Kuldeep Yadav in frame for second Test selection

Kuldeep Yadav could be crucial for India at Edgbaston.

Speaking on air, Gavaskar stated, "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to 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 played his first Test in over two years, struggled to make a significant impact in the Leeds Test. He took only two wickets in the second innings. Despite this, Gavaskar believes his overall performance wasn’t convincing enough.

India Sweat it out at the Nets in Birmingham Ahead of the 2nd Test vs England

Yadav's sole Test appearance in England was at Lord’s in 2018. Despite his previous experience, Gavaskar emphasized that Kuldeep Yadav's bowling variation could be crucial for India in Birmingham.

Gavaskar's thoughts on Middle Order

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, particularly focusing on debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley, contributing to a collapse after a promising start.

While Gavaskar isn’t immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he suggested 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)... 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 added.

Following their defeat at Headingley, India will aim to level the series against England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2.

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