Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test, Questions Bumrah's Fitness After India's Loss

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

Following India's setback against England in the Leeds Test, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team to make strategic changes to their playing XI. He emphasizes the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting he replace Shardul Thakur for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham, given the expected conditions favoring wrist spin.

Kuldeep Yadav pictured with teammates during a practice session.

"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," Gavaskar stated during a broadcast on Tuesday.

Thakur, who was playing his first Test match in over two years, did not have the impact the team needed. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and scored only five runs across both innings. While he briefly showed promise in the second innings, dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in consecutive deliveries, Gavaskar believes his overall performance was not compelling enough.

Team India's intense practice session in Birmingham ahead of the crucial second Test against England.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England so far, at Lord's in 2018, where he didn't take any wickets. Despite this, Gavaskar is confident that his variation could prove to be crucial in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This triggered a collapse after a strong start at 430/3, leading to the team being all out for 471.

While Gavaskar isn't advocating for their immediate removal from the team, he suggested a possible 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). 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 a painful loss to England at Headingley on Day 5, India aims to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2.