'Kuldeep Yadav should bat in Top 3': Ex-India bowler slams Gautam Gambhir's team selection tactics

India spinner Kuldeep Yadav (BCCI Photo)

India's selection for the second Test against England in Birmingham left most perplexed. India decided not to play Jasprit Bumrah, team's most valuable asset, considering his workload. He was replaced by Akash Deep in the playing XI. But what left most amused was Kuldeep Yadav's omission and playing Washington Sundar instead.

After a disastrous outcome in the series opener at Headingley, Leeds, it was anticipated that Kuldeep would make the cut. However, the management once again showed a defensive approach and preferred to strengthen the batting depth, rather than adding a wicket-taking option.

The decision to not include Kuldeep was immediately called out by experts and fans, with former Australia cricketer Tom Moody labelling Gautam Gambhir's "fixation" on all-rounders as "baffling". Ex-India cricketer Dodda Ganesh also echoed similar thoughts and in a post on X suggested a course correction for the Chinaman spinner via which "he can force his way back into this setup".

"Kuldeep should bat in top 3 for Uttar Pradesh in the #RanjiTrophy and get some runs, to be picked to play for India in the Tests. I don’t see any other way he can force his way back into this setup where one’s secondary skill dictates the team selection," the ex-India cricketer wrote on X.

Kuldeep should bat in top 3 for Uttar Pradesh in the #RanjiTrophy and get some runs, to be picked to play for India in the tests. I don’t see any other way he can force his way back into this setup where one’s secondary skill dictates the team selection #ENGvIND

— Dodda Ganesh | (@doddaganesha) July 2, 2025

India had failed to defend 370 in the fourth innings at Headingley, allowing England to complete their second highest run-chase in Tests. And now with both Bumrah and Kuldeep not part of the match, the onus is on others to help India get the "20 wickets", a point emphasised by both head coach Gautam Gambhir and new skipper Shubman Gill in the recent press conferences.