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

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

Following India's recent defeat to England by five wickets in the Leeds Test, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider changes to the playing XI. Gavaskar specifically highlighted the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav as a strategic move for the second Test in Birmingham. He suggests that Kuldeep should replace Shardul Thakur, given the anticipated conditions that are expected to favor wrist spin.

Kuldeep Yadav in discussion with teammates.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated 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."

Indian team training in Birmingham.

Thakur, who was playing his first Test in over two years, had a minimal impact on the game. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. He also scored a mere five runs across both innings. While he did manage to dismiss Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession during the second innings, Gavaskar felt that his overall performance lacked conviction.

Despite Kuldeep Yadav's prior experience of going wicketless in his only Test in England at Lord's in 2018, Gavaskar believes that his variation could be a crucial asset in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, particularly the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, who were both dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This collapse led to India going from a strong position of 430/3 to being all out for 471.

While Gavaskar isn't currently advocating for their immediate removal from the team, he suggested a potential 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 added.

Following their painful loss to England at Headingley on Day 5, India is aiming to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston starting on July 2.