Experts Call for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion as India Seeks Revival in Second Test Against England

Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)

NEW DELHI: As India prepares for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2, the team faces several crucial decisions. Following their defeat in the first Test, the key questions revolve around team composition and strategy. Will Jasprit Bumrah participate? What adjustments will India make? Will Kuldeep Yadav be included, and if so, who will make way?

The Indian team management has indicated that Bumrah's participation will be limited to three of the five Tests due to workload management and his injury history. The specifics of which matches he will play remain uncertain.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second, bowling approximately 44 overs as England successfully chased down a target of 371.

The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the first Test sparked considerable debate. However, following the loss, his inclusion in the second Test is now under serious consideration, particularly given expectations that the Birmingham pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential effectiveness of Kuldeep Yadav, stating, "Kis tarah se hum Kuldeep Yadav ko team la sakte hain ["How can we bring Kuldeep Yadav into the team?]. 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,”

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath suggests that India should consider including both Kuldeep Yadav 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 said.

India’s five-match Test series against England commenced with the first game at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24, where England secured a five-wicket win. The second Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2 to 6, followed by the third at Lord’s, London, from July 10 to 14. The fourth Test is scheduled at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 to 27, and the final Test will be held at the Kennington Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4. This marquee series is part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.