Former England pacer Stuart Broad has criticized India’s team selection in the first Test at Headingley, calling the omission of Kuldeep Yadav a major tactical error. Speaking on his podcast For the Love of Cricket, Broad said Shardul Thakur’s inclusion over Kuldeep cost India the match, which they lost by five wickets despite scoring five centuries.
🧠 “Kuldeep Should Have Played Instead of Shardul”: Broad
“I think they got their team selection wrong, if I’m honest. Kuldeep Yadav should have played instead of Shardul Thakur,” Broad said, citing England’s known vulnerability against wrist spin.
He argued that the pitch conditions on Days 4 and 5 would have favored a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep, who could have added variety and penetration to India’s attack.
🔄 Calls for Arshdeep Singh in 2nd Test
With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested for the second Test at Edgbaston, Broad suggested bringing in left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to exploit swing-friendly English conditions.
“The left-arm angle and his ability to swing the ball early on could offer something different,” he noted.
🧩 India’s Bowling Lacked Bite
Broad also pointed out that India’s bowling lacked control and wicket-taking threat, especially in the second innings. While Prasidh Krishna showed improvement, the overall attack failed to capitalize on key moments.
Despite the criticism, Broad urged India not to panic:
“It’s not panic stations. India were in control for most of the Test and just need a few tweaks rather than wholesale changes,” he concluded.
📌 What’s Next
- 2nd Test: July 2 at Edgbaston
- Selection Watch: Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh in contention
- Series Status: England lead 1–0 in the five-match series
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