Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns, Eyes Batting Reshuffle

Following India's recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI for the crucial second Test in Birmingham. One of his key recommendations is the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist-spinner, in place of Shardul Thakur.

Kuldeep Yadav in discussion with teammates

Gavaskar believes that the conditions at Birmingham will favor wrist spin, making Yadav a valuable asset to the team. "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.

Shardul Thakur's performance in the previous Test was underwhelming, failing to make a significant impact with either bat or ball. Although he managed to dismiss Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession during England's second innings, Gavaskar believes that Yadav's variation could provide a crucial edge in the upcoming match.

Despite Yadav's previous wicketless Test appearance in England back in 2018, Gavaskar remains confident in his ability to exploit the conditions at Edgbaston.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings, contributing to a batting collapse.

While Gavaskar is not advocating for their immediate removal from the team, he suggested that a reshuffle might be considered if India falls behind 0-2 in the series.

He added, "If things don't go well in the second Test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair). I don't want to drop them at the moment. 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, India aims to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston.