Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns, Cites Birmingham Pitch Advantage

Following India's defeat to England in the recent Test match, Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider strategic changes in the playing XI. The former Indian captain specifically highlighted the potential inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav as a replacement for Shardul Thakur in the upcoming second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar believes the conditions at the venue will favor wrist spin.

Kuldeep Yadav in discussion with teammates during a break in play.

Gavaskar, speaking on Tuesday, stated, "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."

Thakur's performance in the previous Test was underwhelming. He bowled six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and scored only five runs across both innings. While he briefly impressed by dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in consecutive deliveries during the second innings, Gavaskar suggested that his overall impact wasn't sufficient.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England, at Lord’s in 2018, where he didn't manage to take a wicket. Despite this, Gavaskar is confident that his variety could prove crucial in Birmingham.

Concerns Over Middle-Order Performance

Gavaskar also addressed concerns regarding the middle order, particularly the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, who were both dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This collapse significantly impacted India's momentum, as they went from a strong position of 430/3 to being all out for 471.

While Gavaskar isn't in favor of immediately dropping either player, he hinted at a potential reshuffle if India falls 0-2 behind in the series.

He added, "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."

India will be aiming to level the series against England at Edgbaston, with the match scheduled to begin on July 2nd.