Following India's disappointing loss in the first Test against England at Leeds, former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar has called for strategic changes in the team's composition. The batting legend believes a key adjustment is needed to bolster the team's chances in the upcoming second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, scheduled to begin on July 2nd.
Gavaskar's primary recommendation centers around the inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI. He argues that Kuldeep should replace Shardul Thakur, who had a rather underwhelming performance in the first Test. Thakur managed just two wickets for 89 runs across 16 overs, failing to make a significant impact. Gavaskar emphasized the expected assistance for spinners at the Birmingham pitch, making Kuldeep's inclusion a potentially game-changing move. "Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team," Gavaskar stated, highlighting the importance of a wrist-spinner on a pitch that is likely to offer some turn. "I do believe that he should come into the team for Shardul Thakur because the Birmingham pitch will be one where there will be just a little bit of help for the wrist spinner."
Kuldeep Yadav's experience in England is limited; he played a single Test match there in 2018 at Lord's, where he went wicketless. Despite this, Gavaskar seems convinced that Kuldeep's type of spin bowling would be more effective than Thakur's medium-pace all-rounding abilities on the predicted Birmingham surface.
Gavaskar also expressed his concerns regarding the performance of the opening batsmen, Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair. Both batsmen failed to impress in the first Test, and Gavaskar has indicated that their places in the team could be in jeopardy if they fail to perform in the second Test. He suggested that if India loses the second Test, the team management should consider bringing in Washington Sundar, an off-spinning all-rounder, to add depth to both the batting and bowling departments. "If things don't go well in the second test, maybe Sai (Sudharsan) and Karun (Nair). I don't want to drop them at the moment. 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," Gavaskar commented.
These potential changes reflect a sense of urgency and a desire to rectify the shortcomings exposed in the first Test. The failure to defend a target of 371 in the fourth innings at Leeds has prompted serious introspection and a willingness to make bold decisions. The English batsmen appeared comfortable against the Indian bowling attack, with Ben Duckett's impressive 149 contributing significantly to England's victory. Furthermore, key bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj went wicketless in the second innings, adding to the concerns.
Gavaskar's analysis suggests a multi-pronged approach to revitalizing the team. By introducing a quality spinner like Kuldeep Yadav, India aims to exploit the conditions at Edgbaston and gain a crucial advantage. Simultaneously, the message to the opening batsmen is clear: perform or face the consequences. The possible inclusion of Washington Sundar indicates a desire for greater stability and flexibility within the team.
The outcome of the second Test will be crucial in determining whether these changes are implemented. India will need to address their batting frailties, sharpen their bowling attack, and adapt to the conditions effectively. Only then can they hope to level the series and regain the momentum.
