Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav Inclusion Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns Ahead of Second England Test

Following India’s recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to make strategic changes to the playing XI for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar specifically highlighted the potential inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting he replace Shardul Thakur, given the expected conditions favoring wrist spin.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated during a recent broadcast. "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 was making his first Test appearance 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, and 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 believes his overall performance wasn't compelling enough to warrant his place in the team.

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

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, particularly the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were 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 is not currently in favor of dropping either player, he suggested a possible reshuffle if India goes down 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 said.

Following their disappointing loss to England at Headingley, India will be aiming to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2.