Fans were left surprised when news broke that Kuldeep had dropped from the 2nd Test against England. After a standout performance in the first Test, many expected the left-arm spinner to keep his place. However, team management had different plans.
To begin with, India struggled with their lower-order batting in the previous match. While the top order fired brilliantly, the tail-end couldn’t support the momentum. This concern forced the team to rethink the balance of their playing XI. As a result, the selectors went with Washington Sundar. Unlike Kuldeep, Sundar offers more with the bat. His presence strengthens the lower order, which had been a weak spot in the first Test. According to skipper Shubman Gill, the team was “tempted” to include Kuldeep, but the need for batting depth took priority.
Moreover, the pitch at Edgbaston played a key role in the decision. It wasn’t expected to offer much for wrist spinners. In contrast, Sundar’s off-spin and steady batting made him a more versatile option for these conditions.
Additionally, the team made a few more changes. The team rested Jasprit Bumrah to manage his workload and gave Akash Deep an opportunity in his place. Nitish Reddy also came in for Shardul Thakur, adding fresh energy to the team. These choices reflect the team’s intent to experiment and adapt, even in a high-pressure series.
On the other hand, some former players questioned the move. Cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar openly expressed his surprise. He felt Kuldeep could have been effective on a surface that offered bounce and turn. His recent form had been impressive, making the decision even more debatable.
Even so, the team believes in their strategy. They are not just looking at one match. They are planning with the full series in mind. With Bumrah set to return for the Lord’s Test, and conditions likely to vary, Kuldeep might still play a key role.
Looking deeper, the call wasn’t about doubting Kuldeep’s skill. It was about balance. In overseas Tests, especially in England, having depth in batting can be the difference between winning and falling short. Washington Sundar offers just that control with the ball and stability with the bat. As additional information. Here’s a quick comparison of what each player brings:
Kuldeep Yadav vs Washington Sundar – Role Comparison
| Player | Bowling Style | Batting Ability | Role in XI |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Left-arm wrist spin | Lower-order tailender | Wicket-taker in the middle overs |
| Washington Sundar | Off-spin | Handy lower-order bat | All-rounder, team balancer |
All things considered, dropping Kuldeep was a tough but calculated call. It reflects the management’s goal to field a team that can handle all situations, not just spin-friendly ones. With two more Tests to go, the door is far from closed for Kuldeep.
In the end, while it’s disappointing for fans to see Kuldeep dropped from the 2nd Test against England, the team has made a strategic choice. They’re prioritizing batting depth and flexibility over raw spin firepower. As the series continues, it’ll be interesting to see if this gamble pays off or if Kuldeep returns with even greater impact.
