Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Following India's Defeat Against England

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. A key suggestion is the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav, potentially replacing Shardul Thakur. Gavaskar believes the Birmingham pitch conditions will favor wrist spin.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated during a broadcast. "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's performance in the previous Test, his first in over two years, was deemed insufficient. Despite taking two wickets in consecutive deliveries, his overall contribution with both bat and ball didn't meet expectations.

While Kuldeep Yadav has limited Test experience in England, Gavaskar emphasized the potential impact of his variations on the Birmingham pitch.

Gavaskar's Thoughts on Middle Order Performance

Gavaskar also addressed the performance of the middle order, specifically the debutants Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, who both recorded ducks in the first innings.

While Gavaskar is hesitant to immediately drop them, he indicated that a reshuffle might be considered 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 said.

Following the loss to England, India is aiming to level the series at Edgbaston, with the match commencing on July 2.