Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in 2nd Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns, Urges India Lineup Changes After Defeat

Following India's recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging strategic changes to the team's lineup for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham. His primary recommendation is the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, suggesting he replace Shardul Thakur.

Gavaskar emphasized the potential for wrist spin to thrive on 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.

Thakur, who recently returned to Test cricket, had a minimal impact in the first Test. Despite a brief spell of two consecutive wickets, Gavaskar believes his overall performance was not compelling enough to secure his place in the second Test.

While Kuldeep Yadav's previous Test appearance in England (at Lord's in 2018) was wicketless, Gavaskar remains optimistic that his variations could prove valuable in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the performance of the middle order, specifically mentioning debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both dismissed for ducks in the first innings.

While Gavaskar is not immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he suggested potential changes if India falls further behind in the series.

“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,” he said.

Following their loss in the first Test, India is determined to level the series against England at Edgbaston, with the match scheduled to begin on July 2.