Kuldeep Yadav continues to be ignored as batting depth forces Gill to choose Sundar for 2nd Test

All the talks about Kuldeep Yadav’s need in Team India will just continue to grow as Shubman Gill has once again ignored the left-armer. After a heavy drubbing in Leeds in the first Test, where India failed to take 20 wickets, there was an anticipation to include Kuldeep Yadav, who could’ve been an excellent enforcer. However, India have opted to ignore him, drafting in Washington Sundar in place of Shardul Thakur in the second Test in Birmingham.

Batting cushion outweighs Kuldeep

India’s decision to pick Sundar reflects that India is prioristing depth in batting over potency in bowling. With Jasprit Bumrah rested for workload management, India are already short on firepower. Mohammed Siraj, who underwhelmed in the series opener, will now shoulder the burden as lead pacer. Instead of bolstering the attack with a proven wicket-taker like Kuldeep, India have gone for a safer bet in Sundar, whose batting at No. 8 seems to have swayed the management.

But in doing so, they may have left the attack toothless. Kuldeep, with 118 wickets at an average of just 20.74 since December 2022, has been India’s most improved red-ball spinner. In contrast, Ravindra Jadeja has managed just six wickets in his last four SENA Tests. In conditions where England’s Bazballers will look to dominate, defensive options may not be enough.