Kuldeep Yadav has made a compelling case for inclusion in India's playing XI for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, with strong backing from former cricketer Mohammad Kaif. Kaif claimed that, given Kuldeep's recent performances and potential impact in the middle overs, it would be unfair to overlook him. The left-arm spinner brings a unique variety to the Indian bowling attack, but he has not yet proven himself to be the team's greatest spinner. In spite of Kuldeep's well-known bowling skill, India has frequently selected a batting all-rounder in an attempt to increase the batting depth, which has occasionally kept him out of the XI.

Since his debut in 2017, Kuldeep has only represented India in 13 test matches, despite having an impressive track record of 56 wickets at a strike rate of 37.3.

Kaif emphasized in his prior statement that Ravichandran Ashwin was selected over him in the XI. But following his retirement, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, and Shubman Gill, the newly appointed captain, were both given a severe caution.

It would be unfair if Kuldeep Yadav were not included in the starting lineup for the second Test. "He has only played 13 tests in eight years," Kaif said on X. How can you justify his exclusion when Ashwin had previously kept him out?

Ravindra Jadeja under the scanner

India persisted with one spinner in the lineup during the first Test at Headingley, and Ravindra Jadeja was chosen above alternative candidates. However, the seasoned all-rounder did not have a significant impact, and he was even criticized for not making good use of the rough on Day 5 as India failed to protect the 371-run objective.

Jadeja's most recent four Tests have seen him collect only five wickets in 110 overs, averaging an astounding 78 at a strike rate of 132 and an economy rate of 3/54. Three of these wickets have been those of lower-order batsmen. The first Test against England and those from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy trip to Australia are included in these four Tests. In those previous four games, Jadeja has scored just 171 runs at an average of 28.50, and his lone half-century came against Australia in Brisbane.

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