ENG vs IND: "Strong chance of playing two spinners.." India coach hints at Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in 2nd test

Kuldeep Yadav has picked 21 test wickets against England so far.

With the squad increasingly set to field two spinners at Edgbaston, India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has given the most certain signal yet that Kuldeep Yadav could return to the playing XI for the second test match against England.

At Headingley, India selected Ravindra Jadeja as their only spin option. However, following a humiliating loss in the first game of the series, the management seems prepared to change the lineup.

The problem makes sense. In the first test, India was largely dependent on Jasprit Bumrah. The right-arm fast bowler picked an incredible five-for in the opening innings, but the rest of the attack did nothing to help him.

With only 16 overs in both innings and match stats of 2/78, Shardul Thakur, who was used as the bowling all-rounder, made little of an effect despite hitting one and four with the bat.

The addition of Kuldeep Yadav would significantly increase India’s threat of capturing wickets. In six test matches against England, the left-arm wrist-spinner has claimed 21 wickets at an average of 22.28.

India coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirms two spinners will play in the Edgbaston test

Kuldeep Yadav is definitely in the running because of his stellar record against England.  Washington Sundar is still in the running, though, and the choice may ultimately depend on how well bowling strength and batting depth are balanced.

Kuldeep Yadav took 19 wickets in four games throughout the five-match test series in early 2024, including 7/112 in the Dharamsala test, where he was named Player of the Match.

“There is a very strong chance of playing two spinners. It’s just which two we play. All three spinners are bowling very nicely. Washi’s batting very nicely. So it’s just which combination do we go with? All-rounder spinner or the out-and-out spinner? And obviously, you have to play the bowling all-rounder again. So there are so many different variables,” said ten Doeschate at a press conference.

Kuldeep Yadav’s influence has extended beyond test cricket. In white-ball cricket, England have also had trouble against him; in just three T20Is against them, Kuldeep has taken eight wickets at a pitiful average of 9.62. He has taken 14 wickets in nine ODI games, including career best figures of 6/25.

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