Former Indian opening batter Sunil Gavaskar suggested that India’s wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the second test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, commencing on July 02.

India’s strategy to rely on the only spinner Ravindra Jadeja backfired their plans as the Shubman Gill-led side faced a 5-wicket defeat to England in the first test of the Anderson Tendulkar Trophy at Headingley.

Gavaskar recommended that the pace bowling all-rounder, Shardul Thakur should be dropped from the Main XI for the forthcoming test. The legendary batter believes that the Birmingham pitches could offer some variations to spinners and Kuldeep might be the best choice.

‘Kuldeep Needs to Enter the Playing XI’: Sunil Gavaskar

As a possible strategic alteration to the Indian cricket team, Sunil Gavaskar felt that Shardul Thakur needs to step aside to accommodate Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI:

“See! Suppose Jasprit Bumrah may or may not be fit. But I believe Kuldeep Yadav should be included in the team. He is the best candidate to replace Shardul Thakur, as the Birmingham pitch will be one such venue that offers assistance to wrist spinners.

By chance, if our plans don’t go well in the second test, then we might look for Washington Sundar as he might add depth to the batting line-up and give variations in terms of bowling. We don’t want to drop Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair at this moment.

In other words, Sudharsan and Nair will play the second test. But, if they fail, then it is advisable to look for Washington, who can contribute both in the batting and bowling departments,” Gavaskar said.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Recent Form in Tests: Performance in Last 5 Matches

Perhaps, Sunil Gavaskar might have suggested Kuldeep Yadav for the forthcoming clash at Birmingham, based on his performance in his last five test matches:

The analysis of Kuldeep’s last five matches highlights that he took at least three wickets or more in each inning of a test match.

Why Kuldeep Yadav Should Replace Shardul Thakur in Playing XI for 2nd Test?

Kuldeep Yadav, who has been a consistent performer for India in test cricket, can replace Shardul Thakur to improve the team’s bowling attack.

Thakur in the opening test at Headingley was wicketless in the first innings as he conceded 38 runs in 6 overs. Although he improved his performance in the second innings and bagged 2 wickets by conceding 51 runs in 10 overs at an economy of 5.10, but lost his intent at a crucial phase.

Also, Thakur didn’t make any contribution in terms of batting, having scored just a run in both innings (including a duck-out dismissal in the 2nd innings).

If Kuldeep replaces Thakur, then Ravindra Jadeja could get additional support in terms of spin bowling.

Kuldeep Yadav’s Past Test Records in England

It would be too early to discuss Kuldeep Yadav’s previous test records in England. This is because he played his only test on English soil at the Lord’s back in 2018 under Virat Kohli’s captaincy. He concluded wicketless after bowling 9 overs and conceded 44 runs.

Over the past few years, Kuldeep has gained immense experience and proved his abilities as an all-format bowler.

The second test of the series ignites hopes for Team India to get back to the winning ways as well as for Kuldeep Yadav to prove his worth in England.

As the conditions are expected to be suitable for spinners, it remains to be seen if the team management opts for the veteran spinner or considers other alternatives.

Conclusion

In reference to the home test series against England last year, Kuldeep Yadav ripped apart the visitors’ batting line-up that followed a Bazball approach. Out of five tests, he played four and bagged 19 wickets in 8 innings, which includes his best bowling figures of 5/72 in 15 overs.

Considering the match-winning performances, the left-arm spinner could be the ideal choice for the Indian cricket team’s bowling line-up after Jasprit Bumrah.