Kuldeep Yadav made his Test debut in 2017 but has featured in just 13 Tests for India, taking an impressive 56 wickets.
Mohammad Kaif Urges Inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav for Edgbaston Test
Kuldeep Yadav has made a compelling case for selection in India’s playing XI for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, with former cricketer Mohammad Kaif voicing strong support for the left-arm spinner. Kaif emphasized that it would be unfair to overlook Kuldeep given his recent performances and the crucial impact he can have in the middle overs. Despite his unique bowling style, Kuldeep has struggled to secure a permanent spot as India’s first-choice spinner.
Since making his Test debut in 2017, Kuldeep has featured in just 13 Tests but boasts an impressive haul of 56 wickets at a strike rate of 37.3. However, India’s strategy to strengthen batting depth by including a batting all-rounder has often worked against Kuldeep’s inclusion, despite his proven bowling credentials.
Kaif highlighted that Kuldeep’s limited opportunities were largely due to Ravichandran Ashwin’s presence in the team. With Ashwin now retired, Kaif sent a clear message to head coach Gautam Gambhir and new captain Shubman Gill. “It will be unfair if Kuldeep Yadav doesn’t get into the playing XI for the second Test. He has just played 13 Tests in 8 years. Earlier he was kept out because of Ashwin; now how do you justify his exclusion?” Kaif wrote on X.
It will be unfair if Kuldeep Yadav doesn't get into the playing XI for second Test. He has just played 13 Tests in 8 years. Earlier he was kept out because of Ashwin now how do you justify his exclusion.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 1, 2025
Ravindra Jadeja under the scanner
In the first Test at Headingley, India opted for just one spinner, selecting veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja ahead of other options. However, Jadeja struggled to make a significant impact and faced criticism for not utilizing the rough effectively on Day 5, as India failed to defend a target of 371 runs.
Jadeja’s recent numbers highlight his struggles: in his last four Tests—including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy tour in Australia and the first Test against England—he has taken only five wickets in 110 overs, with a costly average of 78, a strike rate of 132, and an economy rate of 3.54. Notably, three of those wickets were lower-order batsmen. With the bat, Jadeja has scored 171 runs at an average of 28.50, with his only half-century coming in Brisbane against Australia.