India vs England: Calls Grow for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Edgbaston Test Amid Bumrah Workload Concerns

India is considering strategic changes to its lineup following their defeat in the first Test against England. As the second Test approaches at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2, the question on everyone's mind is: Will Kuldeep Yadav be included?

Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)

Adding to the speculation, there's uncertainty surrounding Jasprit Bumrah's participation. The Indian team management has indicated that Bumrah's workload and past injuries mean he will only participate in three of the five Tests.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah delivered a strong performance with a five-wicket haul in the first innings. However, he went wicketless in the second.

Calls for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion

The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the first Test drew criticism. Now, following the loss, there's strong consideration for his inclusion in the second Test, especially given the expectation that the Birmingham pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Yadav's wrist spin. "The team will have to give some thought to how we can bring Kuldeep Yadav into the XI because judging by the approach we saw from the England batters in the first Test, Kuldeep – who bowls wrist spin – could be effective. Historically, England’s batters haven’t played wrist spin particularly well. So that is definitely something worth considering," Bangar said on Star Sports.

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former Indian batter, suggests further changes. He proposes including both Kuldeep and pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Edgbaston Test.

Badrinath stated, "I think one change could be replacing Shardul — I’d definitely look to include a bowler. And maybe instead of Prasidh Krishna, I’d look to add some variety. So probably, my changes would be Arshdeep Singh and Kuldeep Yadav coming into the XI. But then again, the final XI will depend on the conditions."

The five-match Test series between India and England continues with upcoming matches:

• Second Test: July 2-6, Edgbaston, Birmingham
• Third Test: July 10-14, Lord’s, London
• Fourth Test: July 23-27, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
• Fifth Test: July 31-August 4, Kennington Oval, London

This series is a key part of the World Test Championship cycle.