Ravichandran Ashwin has questioned India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test skipper Shubman Gill’s resolve to taking 20 wickets in the upcoming Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.
Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pacers failed to capitalise on the circumstances in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, and Ravindra Jadeja was chastised for failing to exploit the rough outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the second innings.
Many analysts have advocated for Kuldeep Yadav to be included in the second Test, which begins on Wednesday, July 2 at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham. Ashwin agreed, stating that Kuldeep will not allow England’s tailenders to score as many runs as they did in the first Test. The former India off-spinner also believes that the 30-year-old has the potential to win India two or three Tests in the series.
“There are genuine doubts about Gambhir and Shubman Gill commitment to take 20 wickets.
This test will show us. “If you are seriously committed, Kuldeep gets a look-in,” Ashwin wrote on his YouTube page.
“Kuldeep Yadav needs to play. If there isn’t much grass, Kuldeep must play. Drop whomever you choose, but Kuldeep must play. If he does play, the England tail will score few runs. Kuldeep would help you win two or three Tests in the series by creating problems,” he added.
Kuldeep has not played a Test for India since October 2024. He was unable to make the playing XI in the first Test because India chose Ravindra Jadeja as their solitary spin bowling option. However, if recent practice sessions are to be believed, Kuldeep will start in Edgbaston.
It is worth noting that India has a poor record in Tests at Edgbaston. Since 1967, the Indian squad has played eight Tests against England. Seven of those games were lost by the Asian giants, with one drawn. Shubman Gill and his teammates have a chance to make history by becoming the first Indian team to win a Test match at Edgbaston.
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