'They are too much dependent on Bumrah': Ex-India captain backs Kuldeep Yadav for Edgbaston Test

Former India captain Mohammad Azharuddin has said India should bring in left-arm spinner Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Speaking after India’s five-wicket loss in the first Test at Headingley, Azhar said Kuldeep’s experience could help ease the pressure on Jasprit Bumrah , adding the team is overly dependent on him.

Indian bowlers struggled to stop the England batters in the fourth innings in Leeds, even after India posted solid scores in both innings. Despite hundreds from Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, and KL Rahul, collapses in the middle and lower order prevented India from setting bigger targets.

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Azharuddin wants Kuldeep Yadav in 2nd Test

Azharuddin said the team must get the playing XI right going forward. He suggested the team management to include Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test. The pitch is expected to be dry in Birmingham, which could favour spinners like Kuldeep. Bumrah, on the other hand, will play just three matches in the series and his participation in the 2nd Test is uncertain.

“They are too much dependent on Bumrah. It’s not easy because you need more experienced bowlers, and they should play Kuldeep Yadav. We lost because of batting collapse, but anyways now they have to pick the right players and bowling has to be perfect,” Azharuddin told PTI.

Bumrah had to carry most of the bowling workload in the opening match. He inspired the team with his five-wicket haul in the first innings to help bowl England out for 465, taking a slight lead of 6 runs. However, when Bumrah failed to take wickets in the second innings, the rest of the bowling lineup looked ordinary. They managed just five wickets as England chased down the 371-run target with ease.

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Azhar defends Gill’s captaincy

The 62-year-old defended new Test captain Gill, saying he should be given enough time to prove his mettle.

“This is his just first match as a captain, you just can’t talk about captaincy. It’s too early to talk about captaincy,” he remarked.

“We should give him a fair chance and he has just taken over. So, you should give him a lot of time and support. We cannot just complain and criticise players like that,” said Azharuddin, who led India to 14 wins in 47 Tests as captain.

(With agency inputs)