Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test Amid Concerns Over Bumrah's Fitness and Middle-Order Stability

Thursday - 26/06/2025 21:40

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.

Following India's recent defeat to England, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is urging strategic changes to the team's lineup. He specifically recommends including spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI for the upcoming second Test in Birmingham.

Kuldeep Yadav with teammates, a possible game-changer for the second Test.

Gavaskar suggests that Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur, anticipating conditions in Birmingham that will favor wrist spin. "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team… 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 was underwhelming. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket. His batting also failed to contribute significantly. While he did manage to dismiss Ben Stokes and Harry Brook in consecutive deliveries during the second innings, Gavaskar believes a more impactful change is necessary.

Kuldeep Yadav has only played one Test in England back in 2018. Despite his previous experience, Gavaskar is confident that Yadav's unique spin variations could prove invaluable in Birmingham.

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Gavaskar on Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair

Gavaskar also voiced his concerns regarding the middle order, particularly the debutants Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, who were both dismissed for ducks in the first innings. This collapse led to India going from a strong position of 430/3 to being all out for 471.

While Gavaskar isn't keen on immediately dropping them, he suggested a potential reshuffle if India faces another defeat, resulting in a 0-2 series deficit.

“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 their loss to England, India is determined to level the series in the upcoming match at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on July 2.