Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav Inclusion, Middle-Order Assessment After India's Test Loss to England

Following India's recent five-wicket loss to England in the Leeds Test, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is advocating for strategic adjustments to the team's playing XI. He emphasizes the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the upcoming second Test in Birmingham.

Gavaskar suggests that Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur, anticipating conditions in Birmingham that would favor wrist spin.

"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 recent broadcast.

Thakur, who was playing his first Test in over two years, didn't have the expected impact. He bowled six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. He also scored only five runs across both innings. Despite dismissing Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession during the second innings, Gavaskar believes Thakur's overall performance wasn't sufficient.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test in England so far. During that match at Lord’s in 2018, he didn't manage to take any wickets. Regardless, Gavaskar believes Kuldeep's variation could prove to be essential in Birmingham.

Concerns Over the Middle Order

Gavaskar also expressed concerns about the middle order, with debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair both being dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This led to a collapse from a strong position of 430/3 to 471 all out.

While Gavaskar is hesitant to drop them immediately, he indicated a possible reshuffle if India falls 0-2 down in the series.

“If things don't go well in the second Test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair)...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.

Following the painful defeat to England at Headingley, India aims to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston starting July 2.