Sunil Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in 2nd Test Amid Bumrah Fitness Concerns OR Gavaskar Urges India to Pick Kuldeep Yadav for 2nd Test; Questions Bumrah's Fitness and Middle-Order Stability

Gavaskar Advocates for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Against England

Following India's recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI for the crucial second Test in Birmingham. His primary recommendation centers on introducing spinner Kuldeep Yadav into the lineup, potentially at the expense of Shardul Thakur.

Gavaskar believes the Birmingham pitch conditions will favor wrist spin, making Yadav a valuable asset. "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.

Thakur's performance in the previous Test, where he took only two wickets, has come under scrutiny, strengthening Gavaskar's argument for Yadav's inclusion.

While acknowledging that Yadav's previous Test experience in England wasn't fruitful, Gavaskar remains confident that his bowling variation could prove decisive in the upcoming match. Yadav played one Test at Lord’s in 2018, where he went wicketless.

Gavaskar also touched upon the performance of the middle-order batsmen, Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair.

While Gavaskar is not yet advocating for their immediate removal from the team, he suggested potential changes if India suffers another setback. He also hinted at a possible reshuffle if India go 0-2 down.

"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.

India will face England at Edgbaston starting July 2.