Broad Slams India's Team Selection After Headingley Test Loss, Calls for Roster Tweaks at Edgbaston

Broad Sides India's Team Selection After Headingley Defeat, Suggests Key Changes for Edgbaston

Former England fast bowler Stuart Broad has critiqued India's team selection following their five-wicket loss in the first Test at Headingley. Broad believes that the team's composition contributed significantly to the defeat and has proposed strategic changes for the upcoming Test at Edgbaston.

LEEDS, ENGLAND - JUNE 22: Former England bowler Stuart Broad speaks with former South Africa bowler and India bowling coach Morne Morkel during day three of the 1st Rothesay Test Match between England and India at Headingley on June 22, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Speaking on his podcast, "For the Love of Cricket," with Jos Buttler, Broad suggested that the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, a wrist-spinner, could have been a game-changer, particularly given the conditions and England's susceptibility to wrist spin. He stated, "I think they got their team selection wrong, if I'm honest. Kuldeep Yadav should have played instead of Shardul Thakur. Especially with the kind of pitch and England's known struggle against wrist spin, Kuldeep could have made a big difference.”

Furthermore, Broad highlighted the need for variety and penetration in India's bowling attack. With reports indicating that Jasprit Bumrah might be rested for the second Test in Birmingham, he advocated for the inclusion of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh. "If Bumrah is going to be rested at Edgbaston, I’d be tempted to bring in Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm angle and his ability to swing the ball early on could offer something different to India's bowling attack,” he added. Broad also noted, "While Prasidh Krishna improved in the second innings, the attack overall lacked control and wicket-taking threat.”

Despite the loss, Broad urged the Indian team to maintain composure and avoid drastic changes to their strategy based on a single defeat. He emphasized, "It's not panic stations. You can't afford to rip up plans after one loss. India were in control for most of the Test, and just need a few tweaks rather than wholesale changes.”

India is set to face England in the second Test at Edgbaston starting July 2. The team selection and overall strategy remain key questions as India looks to bounce back.