India vs England: Calls Mount for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion as Experts Highlight England's Spin Weakness

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

As India prepares for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting July 2, discussions are intensifying regarding potential changes to the playing XI following their defeat in the first Test. A key question revolves around whether Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm wrist-spinner, will be included in the team.

Kuldeep Yadav pictured. Will the spinner be added to the team for the second test match?

While the team management had previously indicated that Jasprit Bumrah's participation would be limited to three of the five Tests due to workload management, his performance in the first Test, where he took a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second, has sparked debate. The Indian team is looking to bounce back and level the series 1-1.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential effectiveness of Kuldeep Yadav, considering England's struggles against 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 stated.

Arshdeep Singh seeks advice from Morne Morkel.

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former India batter, suggested a more significant reshuffle, advocating for the inclusion of both Kuldeep and pacer Arshdeep Singh. "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 said. The inclusion of Arshdeep Singh could bolster the pace attack.

The five-match Test series commenced with England's five-wicket victory at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24. Following the second Test at Edgbaston, the series will move to Lord’s, London (July 10-14), then Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester (July 23-27), and conclude at the Kennington Oval, London (July 31-August 4). This series forms part of the World Test Championship cycle.