Kuldeep In, Shardul Out? Experts Demand Changes in India’s XI for 2nd Test vs England
With India trailing 0-1 in the five-Test series against England, pressure is mounting on the team management to make key changes ahead of the second Test in Birmingham from July 2. One of the most talked-about decisions revolves around the inclusion of spinner Kuldeep Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur, whose limited impact in the series opener has raised eyebrows.
Shardul Under Fire After Leeds Test
After a long absence from the format, Shardul Thakur returned to Test cricket in the Headingley Test but failed to impress. He scored just 5 runs across both innings and bowled only 16 overs in total, despite India playing four frontline pacers. While he did pick up two wickets on Day 5, the lack of penetration and consistency with the ball was evident, especially alongside an underwhelming Prasidh Krishna.
The move to pick four seamers, despite the dry nature of the surface, has drawn sharp criticism from analysts and former players alike.
Experts Back Kuldeep for 2nd Test
Former India captain Dilip Vengsarkar believes it’s time to bring in Kuldeep Yadav. Speaking to PTI, he said:
“Kuldeep needs to be there. There is no point playing with four pacers. Either Shardul or Prasidh can make way for him.”
His views were echoed by Sanjay Manjrekar, who said on JioStar:
“Kuldeep Yadav has to come back. I’m sorry to say, but Shardul Thakur has to go out. Even in England, if the surface is dry, you have to back quality bowlers—two spinners if needed.”
Gambhir Backs Gill’s Captaincy Call
Despite the backlash, head coach Gautam Gambhir has defended both Shubman Gill’s captaincy and the selection of Shardul in Leeds. He emphasized that captaincy is about reading the game and acting on instinct:
“Sometimes the captain goes with his instincts. Ravindra Jadeja gave us control in the first innings, and we could rotate our three pacers. Just because Shardul is the fourth seamer doesn’t mean he must bowl ahead of the spinner. The surface matters.”
Gambhir’s comments highlight that the team’s decisions were made based on match conditions and not just set formulas. Still, the outcome—a five-wicket loss after leading for most of the game—has forced a re-evaluation.
Time for Rethink at Edgbaston?
With dry conditions expected at Edgbaston, India may shift to a three-seamer-two-spinner attack, pairing Kuldeep Yadav with Ravindra Jadeja. While Nitish Kumar Reddy’s spot also remains under review, his presence adds batting depth, making him a valuable asset in tricky English conditions.
Likely Change in Playing XI for 2nd Test
IN: Kuldeep Yadav
OUT: Shardul Thakur
With India aiming to level the series, the second Test will be crucial not just tactically but also psychologically. A second straight defeat could tilt the momentum decisively in England’s favor, especially with the Lord’s Test coming up next.
The ball is now in the selectors’ court to find the right balance between tactical nuance and personnel consistency.
