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

As India prepares for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham, starting on July 2nd, the team management is considering strategic changes to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test and level the series 1-1. Several questions loom large: Will Jasprit Bumrah be included? Will Kuldeep Yadav be brought into the playing XI?

Kuldeep Yadav could be a key addition to the Indian squad for the second Test.

The team has indicated that Bumrah’s participation is subject to workload management, given his injury history, with plans for him to play only three of the five Tests.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second, bowling nearly 44 overs as England successfully chased down a target of 371.

Kuldeep Yadav's Potential Inclusion

The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the first Test sparked debate. However, following the loss, his inclusion in the second Test is now a strong possibility, especially considering the expected conditions at Edgbaston, which are anticipated to favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Kuldeep's inclusion. "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.

Other Potential Changes

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former Indian batter, suggests that India should consider bringing in 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 noted.

Series Overview

The five-match Test series commenced with the first game at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24, where England emerged victorious by five wickets. Following the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, 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 be held at the Kennington Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4. This series is an integral part of the World Test Championship cycle.