India Contemplates Kuldeep Yadav Inclusion for Second England Test Amidst Strategic Lineup Review

India Mulls Over Changes, Including Kuldeep Yadav, for Second Test Against England

As India prepares for the second Test against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on July 2, the team management is considering strategic changes to bounce back from their defeat in the series opener. Several key questions are being debated: Will Jasprit Bumrah play? What adjustments will be made to the lineup? And will Kuldeep Yadav be included in the playing XI?

Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)

The Indian team has already indicated that Bumrah, due to workload management and his past injuries, is likely to participate in only three of the five Tests. The specific matches he will play remain uncertain.

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

The exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav from the first Test was a surprise to many. Following the loss, his inclusion in the second Test is now under serious consideration, especially with the expectation that the pitch in Birmingham will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar emphasized the potential impact of Kuldeep Yadav, stating, "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."

Subramaniam Badrinath, another former India batter, suggests that India should include 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 said.

The five-match Test series began with the first game at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24, where England secured a five-wicket win. The second Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2 to 6, followed by the third at Lord’s, London, 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 part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.