Legendary Sunil Gavaskar wants Kuldeep Yadav to be included in the second Test playing XI against England in place of Shardul Thakur after India suffered a five-wicket loss in the opening Test at Leeds, Headingley on Tuesday. 

Thakur failed to create any impact in the series opener, returning with scores of 1 and 4 while batting down the order. Furthermore, the Mumbai all-rounder went wicketless in the first innings and managed two wickets in the second essay.

Gavaskar said Kuldeep Yadav should be part of India’s playing XI irrespective of Jasprit Bumrah’s selection. The former Indian opener said he would back Karun Nair and Sai Sudharsan in the second Test despite their low returns but also added he would want the management to take a call on the duo if they fail to deliver in the next game.

Sunil Gavaskar said on Sony Sports, “Whether Jasprit Bumrah is fit or not, I think Kuldeep Yadav has to come into the team. 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. 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.”

Gavaskar said there is also an option of adding Washington Sundar to the final XI.

“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.”

The former Indian captain urged Indian players to work harder in the practice sessions ahead of the next match.

“Next couple of days you can take off, but now seriously get into practice. Leave this optional practice aside. You have come here to play for India. So, you practice in a way so that you will give yourself the best,” said Gavaskar.

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.