Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion, Regardless of Bumrah's Fitness, After India's Test Defeat

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 calling for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test match. Gavaskar suggests that Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur, especially considering the favorable conditions for wrist spin expected at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

Kuldeep Yadav alongside Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja.

"Regardless of Jasprit Bumrah's fitness, I believe Kuldeep Yadav must be included in the team," Gavaskar stated during a broadcast on Tuesday. "I think he should replace Shardul Thakur because the Birmingham pitch is likely to offer some assistance to wrist spinners."

Thakur's performance in the previous Test was underwhelming. 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. Although he briefly shone with the ball in the second innings, dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession, Gavaskar deemed his overall contribution insufficient.

Kuldeep Yadav, a skilled leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England back in 2018 at Lord's where he didn't manage to secure any wickets. Despite this, Gavaskar is confident that his bowling style could prove crucial in the upcoming match at Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed concerns about the middle order. While Gavaskar is hesitant to immediately drop Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, he did indicate a potential reshuffle could happen if India falls 0-2 down in the series.

"If the second Test doesn't go well, perhaps we'll consider changes for Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair," he noted. "I don't want to drop them right away. I would also consider Washington Sundar, as he would strengthen the batting lineup and offer more variety in the bowling department."

After their disappointing loss to England at Headingley, India is determined to even the series when they meet England again at Edgbaston.