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"It Will Be Unfair" Gill, Gambhir Under-Fire For Kuldeep's Reported Exclusion In England

Soumyajit Dutta

Mohammad Kaif, Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill [Source: @switch_hit18/X.com]Mohammad Kaif, Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill [Source: @switch_hit18/X.com]

Trailing 0-1 after England chased down 371 at Leeds, India faces crucial bowling decisions for the second Test, especially after the bowling mayhem at Headingley, where England managed to chase down a mammoth total unscathed.

With Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav in contention for the second Test, reports suggested Yadav might have to be benched for the second Test. Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif strongly debated against this exclusion.

Kaif Demands Answer For Kuldeep Yadav's Reported Exclusion

Naturally, this potential snub for Kuldeep Yadav has sparked debate. Despite being regarded as one of the game's finest spinners, Kuldeep has managed only 13 Tests in 8 years, often sidelined by the presence of Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin's retirement now opens the second spinner's role, increasing scrutiny on coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill.

Mohammad Kaif strongly advocates for Kuldeep's inclusion, calling the exclusion "unfair".

"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 his X handle.

Kaif's plea highlights the pressure on Gambhir and Gill to provide Kuldeep, who has long been in Ashwin's shadow, with the platform to prove his Test credentials. 

India's quest to level the series hinges on rectifying their bowling, which couldn't defend a massive total despite centuries from Rishabh Pant (who scored two) and others in Leeds. All eyes are now on the final XI ahead of the game live from 3:30 PM IST.