Kuldeep Yadav Eyes Edgbaston Opportunity as India Weighs Two-Spinner Strategy

The focus was on Jasprit Bumrah during India's practice at Edgbaston, but Kuldeep Yadav soon captured the attention. He practiced with both new and semi-new balls. Meanwhile, Bumrah engaged in a lengthy discussion with head coach Gautam Gambhir before heading to the dressing room without bowling.

Bumrah eventually practiced 45 minutes before the session ended. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at the possibility of India fielding two spinners in the second Test against England.

Kuldeep's Test career has been inconsistent since his 2017 debut against Australia. Despite strong performances, he hasn't had a sustained run under any of the four head coaches he's played under. In his 13 Tests, he has taken 56 wickets at an average of 22.16.

If India aims to establish Kuldeep as their primary overseas spinner, the dry Edgbaston pitch, hardened by the sun, presents an ideal opportunity.

A potential drawback for Kuldeep is his batting ability. This led to Washington Sundar being chosen over him against New Zealand last October on turning pitches, despite Kuldeep's earlier Test-winning performance with the bat against England in Ranchi.

This consideration remains relevant. While Doeschate acknowledged the possibility of playing two spinners, he mentioned Washington, who displayed enthusiasm after practice.

"Everything is about juggling batting depth. All three spinners are bowling very nicely. Washington is batting very nicely. It’s about if we go with an allrounder-spinner or the out-and-out spinner," Doeschate stated.

Bumrah's participation in the Test is doubtful due to workload management. The team believes he has ample time to impact the series, even if rested. Doeschate noted the pitch had a thin layer of grass but was dry underneath, and the forecast predicted rain, which could influence the final XI.

Gambhir's management style emphasizes batting depth. The team is weighing strengthening the lower middle-order against maintaining a four-seamer attack. Nitish Kumar Reddy's extended batting and slip-catching practice suggest he's also being considered.

The key question is whether the team has a wicket-taking alternative to Bumrah. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna had a disappointing outing in Headingley. Akash Deep bowled extensively in the nets alongside them. If these three are the primary pace options, Kuldeep could emerge as a crucial factor.

Kuldeep troubled England's aggressive batsmen on flat Indian pitches last year. He was decisive alongside Bumrah. His focus on new-ball practice suggests India may use him if Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley start strongly.