Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in 2nd Test; Questions Bumrah's Fitness After India's Loss

Saturday - 12/07/2025 04:24

Following India's defeat to England, Sunil Gavaskar suggested that spinner Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur for the Birmingham Test, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin. Gavaskar also expressed concerns about the middle order, particularly Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair after their dismissals.

Gavaskar Suggests Key Changes for India After Leeds Defeat

Following India's recent five-wicket loss to England in the Leeds Test, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for strategic adjustments to the team's composition. He particularly emphasized the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham.

*Kuldeep Yadav with teammates during a practice session.*

Gavaskar believes that the Birmingham pitch conditions are likely to favor wrist spin. Speaking on Tuesday, he stated, "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team. I do believe that he should come into the team for Shardul Thakur because the Birmingham pitch will be one where there will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner."

Thakur, who was playing his first Test match in over two years, didn't leave a lasting impression. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and scored a mere five runs across both innings. Although he briefly showed promise in the second innings by dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook with consecutive deliveries, Gavaskar deemed his overall performance insufficient.

India Sweat it out at the Nets in Birmingham Ahead of the 2nd Test vs England

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

Gavaskar also addressed concerns about the middle order, specifically mentioning debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley, which triggered a collapse from a solid 430/3 to 471 all out.

While Gavaskar isn't currently in favor of dropping them, 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). 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 added.

After a painful loss to England at Headingley on Day 5, India aims to even the series when they face England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2.