Gavaskar Calls for Spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Questions Bumrah's Fitness Ahead of 2nd England Test

Gavaskar Suggests Key Changes for India After Leeds Defeat

Following India's disappointing five-wicket loss to England in the recent Leeds Test, cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider strategic changes to the playing XI. His primary recommendation centers around the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the crucial second Test in Birmingham. Gavaskar believes the conditions at Edgbaston will favor wrist spin.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fully fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated during a broadcast on Tuesday. "I believe he should replace Shardul Thakur because the Birmingham pitch will offer some assistance to wrist spinners."

Thakur's Performance Under Scrutiny

Shardul Thakur, who made his Test return after over two years, struggled to make a significant impact in the Leeds Test. He bowled only six overs in the first innings, conceding 38 runs without taking a wicket, and scored a mere 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 wasn't convincing enough to warrant his retention in the team.

Kuldeep Yadav's Potential Impact

Although Kuldeep Yadav has played only one Test in England, back in 2018 at Lord's where he went wicketless, Gavaskar is confident that his variations could prove to be a valuable asset in Birmingham.

Addressing Middle Order Concerns

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, particularly the performance of debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, both of whom were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley. Their dismissals triggered a collapse after India had reached a strong position of 430/3, eventually being bowled out for 471.

While Gavaskar is not immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he hinted at a possible reshuffle if India falls 0-2 behind 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," he said. "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 as the bowling is concerned."

India will be aiming to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, with the second Test starting on July 2nd.