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 setback against England in the Leeds Test, Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to consider strategic changes in the playing XI, emphasizing the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Gavaskar suggests Yadav replace Shardul Thakur for the second Test in Birmingham, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin.

"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 played his first Test in over two years, struggled to leave his mark. He bowled a mere six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and scored only five runs across both innings. While he did manage to dismiss Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession in the second innings, Gavaskar believes his overall performance was insufficient.

Kuldeep Yadav has only played one Test in England, back in 2018 at Lord's, where he remained wicketless. Despite this, Gavaskar is confident that his variations could prove crucial in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically the performances of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This triggered a collapse after India had reached a strong position of 430/3, eventually being bowled out for 471.

While Gavaskar is not inclined to drop them immediately, 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 defeat to England at Headingley, India will be aiming to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2.