Edgbaston Test: Calls Mount for Kuldeep Yadav as India Seeks Series Rebound Against England

India vs. England: Calls Grow for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test

Following their defeat in the first Test, India is under pressure to make strategic changes as they prepare to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting on July 2. Key questions loom: Will Jasprit Bumrah play? What adjustments will the team make? And will Kuldeep Yadav finally get his chance?

Kuldeep Yadav: Could his wrist spin be the key to India's comeback?

Team management has indicated that Bumrah, due to workload considerations and past injuries, will likely participate in only three of the five Tests. The specifics of which matches remain uncertain.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah showcased his skill with a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went without a wicket in the second, bowling a total of nearly 44 overs as England successfully chased down a target of 371.

Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the first Test sparked debate, and now, following the loss, his inclusion in the second Test is gaining traction. The pitch at Edgbaston is anticipated to favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Kuldeep. "The team will have to give some thought to how we can bring Kuldeep Yadav into the XI, because judging by the approach we saw from the England batters in the first Test, Kuldeep — who bowls wrist spin — could be effective. Historically, England’s batters haven’t played wrist spin particularly well. So that is definitely something worth considering," Bangar stated on Star Sports.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath echoed this sentiment, suggesting that India should include both Kuldeep and pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Edgbaston Test.

"I think one change could be replacing Shardul — I’d definitely look to include a bowler. And maybe instead of Prasidh Krishna, I’d look to add some variety. So probably, my changes would be Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav coming into the XI. But then again, the final XI will depend on the conditions," Badrinath added.

The five-match Test series began with England's five-wicket victory at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24. Following the second Test at Edgbaston (July 2-6), the series will move to Lord’s, London (July 10-14), then to Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27), and conclude at the Kennington Oval, London (July 31-August 4). This series is an integral part of the World Test Championship cycle.