Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Doubts, Eyes Middle Order Fix

Following India's defeat to England in the first Test, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to make strategic changes to the playing XI. Gavaskar specifically highlighted the need to include spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial second Test in Birmingham.

Kuldeep Yadav in discussion with teammates.

Gavaskar believes that the conditions at Edgbaston will favor wrist spin, making Yadav a valuable asset. He suggested that Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur in the lineup. "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team... 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.

Thakur, who was playing his first Test in over two years, had a minimal impact on the match. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. He also scored only five runs in both innings combined. Although Thakur briefly showed promise in the second innings by dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession, Gavaskar felt that his overall performance was not compelling enough to retain his place in the team.

While Kuldeep Yadav has only played one Test in England, back in 2018 at Lord's where he went wicketless, Gavaskar is confident that his variations could be a game-changer in Birmingham.

Middle Order Concerns

Gavaskar also voiced his concerns about the middle order, particularly regarding debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley, triggering a collapse after a promising start.

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

"If things don't go well in the second Test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair)... 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 defeat at Headingley, India will be aiming to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston on July 2nd.