Gavaskar Calls for Kuldeep Yadav Inclusion in Second Test, Questions Bumrah's Fitness After Leeds Debacle

Following India's defeat to England in the Leeds Test, former captain Sunil Gavaskar has urged the team management to consider immediate changes to the playing XI. Gavaskar specifically highlighted the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test in Birmingham.

Kuldeep Yadav in discussion with Rishabh Pant and Ravindra Jadeja during a break in play.

Gavaskar believes that Yadav's wrist spin could be a crucial asset, given the anticipated conditions at the Birmingham pitch. He suggested that Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur in the lineup.

"Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team...because the Birmingham pitch will be one where there will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner," Gavaskar stated.

Thakur, who was making his first Test appearance in over two years, failed to leave a mark in the Leeds Test. His contributions with both bat and ball were minimal, leading Gavaskar to believe that a change is necessary.

While Yadav's previous Test appearance in England at Lord's in 2018 didn't yield any wickets, Gavaskar remains confident that his variations could prove valuable in Birmingham.

Gavaskar also addressed the concerns surrounding the middle order, specifically mentioning the debutants Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen were dismissed for ducks in the first innings at Headingley, contributing to a collapse despite a strong start.

While Gavaskar isn't immediately advocating for their removal from the team, he hinted at a potential reshuffle if India faces another defeat in the second Test.

"If things don't go well in the second Test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair)... Then I'd also look at Washington Sundar, so that it really gives you a more solid batting, and also get a little more variety as far the bowling is concerned," he added.

Following the disappointing loss to England at Headingley, India will aim to level the series when they face England at Edgbaston, with the second Test starting on July 2.