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 defeat to England in the Leeds Test, Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to make strategic changes to the playing XI. The former Indian captain specifically highlighted the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav as a crucial move for the second Test in Birmingham.

Gavaskar suggested that Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin at the Birmingham pitch. "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," Gavaskar stated during a broadcast on Tuesday.

Thakur, who was making his first Test appearance in over two years, failed to leave a significant mark on the game. Despite taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries, Gavaskar felt his overall performance wasn’t up to par.

Despite Kuldeep Yadav's previous underwhelming performance in England, Gavaskar emphasized that his variation could be a game-changer in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. While he refrained from immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he suggested a potential reshuffle if India falls behind 0-2 in the series.

"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," he added.

Following the loss at Headingley, India aims to level the series against England at Edgbaston, with the match commencing on July 2.