India vs. England: Calls Grow for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion in Second Test at Edgbaston

India Mulls Changes for Second Test Against England: Will Kuldeep Yadav Feature?

As India seeks to rebound from their defeat in the first Test against England, questions abound regarding potential changes to the team composition. The second Test, set to commence at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2, could see some strategic adjustments as India aims to level the series 1-1.

Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)

One major point of discussion revolves around the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav. The Indian team management has indicated that Jasprit Bumrah, due to workload management and past injuries, will only participate in three of the five Tests. The specifics of which matches he will play remain uncertain.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah demonstrated his prowess by claiming a five-wicket haul in the first innings. However, he went wicketless in the second, having bowled nearly 44 overs as England successfully chased down a target of 371.

The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the initial lineup raised eyebrows. Following the loss, his inclusion in the second Test is now under serious consideration, particularly given expectations that the Birmingham pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential benefits of including Kuldeep. "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 stated on Star Sports.

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former India batter, suggests that India should consider including both Kuldeep Yadav and pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Edgbaston Test.

"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," Badrinath added.

The five-match Test series began at Headingley, Leeds, where England clinched a five-wicket victory. Following the Edgbaston Test, the series will move to Lord’s, London (July 10-14), then to Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27), and conclude at the Kennington Oval, London (July 31-August 4). This series forms a crucial part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.