Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns

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

Following India's recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team to make strategic changes to their lineup. Specifically, he is recommending the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the second Test match in Birmingham. Gavaskar believes that the conditions at Edgbaston will favor wrist spin, making Yadav a valuable asset.

Kuldeep Yadav, pictured with teammates, could be key to India's success in the second Test.

"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."

Thakur, who recently played his first Test in over two years, did not leave a significant impression in the previous match. While he managed to take two wickets in the second innings, Gavaskar felt that his overall performance was not compelling enough to secure his place in the team.

Despite Yadav's previous underwhelming performance in England, where he went wicketless at Lord's in 2018, Gavaskar remains confident in his potential impact. He believes that Yadav's variations could prove vital in the upcoming match at Edgbaston.

Gavaskar also addressed concerns about the middle order, specifically regarding debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings. This collapse led to India being all out for 471.

While Gavaskar is not immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he suggested a possible reshuffle if India faces another defeat in the second Test.

“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 said.

India will face England at Edgbaston starting July 2, aiming to level the series after their painful loss at Headingley.