Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill’s dedication to grabbing twenty wickets is called into question by R Ashwin.

Ravichandran Ashwin stated, “Kuldeep has to play if there is not much grass.”

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir and Test captain Shubman Gill were questioned by Ravichandran Ashwin on their commitment to getting 20 wickets in the current Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Except for Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian pacers were unable to take advantage of the circumstances in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, and Ravindra Jadeja was criticized for failing to capitalize on the harsh outside Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the second innings.

The addition of Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test, which begins at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Wednesday, July 2, has been advocated by a number of professionals. Ashwin also backed this notion, stating that Kuldeep would prevent the English tailenders from scoring as many runs as they did in the first Test. In addition, the former India off-spinner is confident that the 30-year-old can lead India to victory in two to three games of the series.

“A serious question remains regarding Gambhir and Gill’s dedication to capturing 20 wickets. We will learn from this test. Kuldeep gets a look-in if you’re really committed, Ashwin stated in his YouTube channel.

“Kuldeep Yadav needs to play. Kuldeep has to play if there isn’t much grass. You can drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep has to play. The England tail won’t score many runs even if he does play. Kuldeep will cause issues, which will help you win two or three Tests in the series, he continued.

Since October 2024, Kuldeep has not participated in a Test match for India. In the first Test, he was unable to break into the playing XI since India chose Ravindra Jadeja as their lone spin-bowling alternative. But according to reports from recent practice sessions, Kuldeep will begin at Edgbaston.

It’s worth mentioning that India’s performance in Tests in Edgbaston is atrocious. The Indian squad has faced England in eight Test matches since 1967. One of those matches concluded in a tie, while the seven others were lost by the Asian titans. As the first Indian team to ever win a Test match at Edgbaston, Shubman Gill and Co. may make history.