Headline: Pressure Mounts for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion as India Seeks Edgbaston Test Rebound vs. England

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

Following their defeat in the first Test, the Indian cricket team faces crucial decisions ahead of the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting July 2. Questions abound: Will Jasprit Bumrah feature? What tactical adjustments will India make? And crucially, will Kuldeep Yadav be brought into the playing XI?

Kuldeep Yadav, a potential weapon against England's batting lineup.

Team management has indicated that Bumrah will participate in only three of the five Tests to manage his workload, a decision influenced by his injury history. The specific matches remain unconfirmed.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second, bowling extensively as England successfully chased down a target of 371 runs.

Kuldeep Yadav's absence from the first Test drew criticism. However, his inclusion is now being seriously considered for the second Test, given expectations that the Edgbaston pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of including 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.

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former India batter, suggested that India should consider bringing in 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 said.

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