Overdependence on Jasprit Bumrah Hurt India in 1st Test, Says Mohammad Azharuddin; Backs Kuldeep Yadav for Edgbaston

Following India’s five-wicket defeat to England in the first Test at Headingley, former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has pinpointed the team’s heavy reliance on pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as a major reason behind the loss. Azhar believes that India’s bowling lacked balance and stressed the importance of including a second spinner, specifically Kuldeep Yadav, in the playing XI for the second Test at Edgbaston.

“They are too much dependent on Bumrah. It’s not that easy because you need more experienced bowlers, and they should play Kuldeep Yadav,” Azharuddin said while speaking to PTI Videos.

India had a strong start to the Headingley Test, posting 471 runs in the first innings, powered by centuries from Shubman Gill (147), Yashasvi Jaiswal (101), and Rishabh Pant (134). However, a sudden batting collapse saw the team lose their last seven wickets for just 41 runs, allowing England back into the game. This inconsistency, Azhar said, played a pivotal role in India’s defeat.

“We lost because of the batting collapse. Now they have to pick the right players and the bowling has to be perfect,” he added.

Azharuddin also came to the defense of Shubman Gill, who captained India in a Test match for the first time and faced criticism for his bowling rotation and field placements.

“This is his just first match as a captain, you just can’t talk about captaincy, it’s too early to talk about it. We should give him a fair chance. He has just taken over, so you should give him time and support. We cannot just complain and criticise players like that,” Azhar urged.

Bumrah’s Workload Management Still on Track: Gambhir

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir clarified that Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the England Test series will remain limited to three matches, as originally planned, despite the loss at Headingley. Bumrah’s back injury history has prompted India to carefully manage his workload during the demanding five-match Test series.

“Managing Bumrah’s workload is crucial because there’s a lot of cricket ahead and we know what he brings to the team,” Gambhir said.

“Before the tour, it was agreed that he would play three Test matches. We’ll monitor his condition, but we haven’t yet decided which other two Tests he will play,” he added.

With the Edgbaston Test set to be played on a surface known to aid spinners and hot weather prevailing in England, the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav appears likely. His ability to exploit rough patches on dry tracks could offer India a vital edge—especially with the seamers, barring Bumrah, struggling for penetration at Headingley.

As India look to bounce back in Birmingham, all eyes will be on how they adjust their squad and strategy to level the series.