India Mulls Kuldeep Yadav Addition for Second England Test Amid Strategic Review

Yadav's Potential Inclusion: A Tactical Shift for India in Edgbaston Test

NEW DELHI: As India gears up for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2, the team faces a crucial juncture. Following their defeat in the first Test, several questions loom large: Will Jasprit Bumrah participate? What strategic adjustments will India implement? And will Kuldeep Yadav be included in the playing XI?

The Indian team management has indicated that Bumrah's participation will be limited to three of the five Tests, keeping in mind workload management and his past injuries. The specific matches, however, remain undisclosed.

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

The possible inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in the second Test is gaining momentum, especially considering the expected conditions in Birmingham, which are anticipated to favor spinners.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential benefits of including Yadav. "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.

Former India batter Subramaniam Badrinath echoed this sentiment, suggesting that India should consider including both Kuldeep 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 commenced at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24, where England emerged victorious with a five-wicket win. Following the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2 to 6, the series will move to Lord’s, London, for the third Test from July 10 to 14. The fourth Test is scheduled at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 to 27, and the final Test will take place at the Kennington Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4. This series is a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.