Edgbaston Test: Pressure Mounts for Kuldeep Yadav's Inclusion as India Seeks Series Rebound

NEW DELHI: As India seeks to recover from their defeat in the first Test, several questions are being raised about the team's strategy for the second Test against England, scheduled to begin on July 2nd at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Will Jasprit Bumrah play? Will Kuldeep Yadav be included? What changes will the team make to the playing XI?

The Indian team management has indicated that Bumrah's participation is limited to three of the five Tests due to workload management and his past injuries. The specific matches he will play remain uncertain.

In the first Test at Leeds, Bumrah claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings but went wicketless in the second, bowling approximately 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. However, following the loss, his inclusion in the second Test is now under serious consideration, especially with expectations that the Birmingham pitch will favor spin bowlers.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar commented on Star Sports, "Kis tarah se hum Kuldeep Yadav ko team la sakte hain [How can we bring Kuldeep Yadav into the team?]. 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 Indian batter, suggests that India should include both Kuldeep and pacer Arshdeep Singh for the Edgbaston Test.

Badrinath stated, "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."

The five-match Test series between India and England commenced with the first game at Headingley, Leeds, from June 20 to 24, where England won by five wickets. The second Test is scheduled at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from July 2 to 6, followed by the third at Lord’s, London, from July 10 to 14. The fourth Test will be held at Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester, from July 23 to 27, and the series concludes at the Kennington Oval, London, from July 31 to August 4. This series is a part of the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.