Gavaskar Urges India to Unleash Kuldeep Yadav in Second Test Against England; Questions Thakur's Impact

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

Following India's recent defeat to England in the Leeds Test, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI. His primary suggestion revolves around the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial second Test in Birmingham.

Gavaskar believes that the conditions at Edgbaston will be conducive to wrist spin, making Kuldeep Yadav a valuable asset. He suggests that Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur in the lineup.

Kuldeep Yadav, pictured with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja, could be key in Birmingham.

"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," Gavaskar stated during a recent broadcast.

Thakur, who was making his first Test appearance in over two years, had a minimal impact on the game. He bowled a mere six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. His contribution with the bat was also negligible, scoring only five runs across both innings. While he did manage to dismiss Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in quick succession during the second innings, Gavaskar felt that his overall performance lacked conviction.

Kuldeep Yadav, a leg-spinner, has only played one Test match in England, which was at Lord's in 2018, where he went wicketless. However, Gavaskar is confident that his variations could prove crucial in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. This collapse triggered a significant setback for India, turning a promising 430/3 into a final score of 471 all out.

While Gavaskar is hesitant to immediately drop either player, he hinted at 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 explained.

Following their defeat to England at Headingley, India will be eager to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, starting on July 2nd.