Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns

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. A key recommendation is the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, a move Gavaskar believes could significantly impact the game's outcome.

Kuldeep Yadav alongside Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja during a training session.

Gavaskar suggests that Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur, especially considering the expected conditions at Birmingham which are likely to favor wrist spin. Speaking on Tuesday, Gavaskar stated, "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team... the Birmingham pitch will be one where there will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner."

Thakur's performance in the previous Test was underwhelming. Despite taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries, his overall contribution with both bat and ball didn't meet expectations, leading Gavaskar to advocate for a change.

While Kuldeep Yadav has limited Test experience in England, with only one match at Lord's in 2018 where he didn't take any wickets, Gavaskar believes his unique bowling style could be a game-changer in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order batsmen, Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings.

While Gavaskar is hesitant to immediately drop either player, he indicated potential changes if India falls behind 0-2 in the series. He stated, "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."

Following their defeat at Headingley, India is determined to level the series against England when they meet at Edgbaston.