Team India succumbed to a five-wicket in the first Test against England at Headingley despite batters scoring five centuries. The visitors failed to defend a 371-run target, conceding a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy

India’s bowling unit, barring Jasprit Bumrah, fell flat. The likes of Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur didn't provide enough support to the No.1-ranked Test bowler. Ravindra Jadeja also failed to make a mark as a lone spinner.

According to reports, India are likely to go with three all-rounders to strengthen the batting at the expense of specialist bowlers in the second Test at Edgbaston.

Ahead of the game, former cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra highlighted the all-rounder obsession for India, especially in a match where they are expected to rest Bumrah to manage his workload.

“As per reports from Edgbaston, only two fast bowlers will play, who will be Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj. Two spinners will play, in which Ravindra Jadeja is confirmed, and there are extremely bright chances of Washington Sundar playing, and Nitish Kumar Reddy can play in place of Shardul Thakur, which means Nitish at No. 7, Jadeja at No. 8, and it could be possibly Washington at No. 9,” Chopra said in a video shared on his YouTube channel.

Aakash Chopra suggested that India’s approach to Test cricket will be heading in the wrong direction if they prefer spin-bowling all-rounder Washington over someone specialist like Kuldeep.

“Is it a good thought process? I concur slightly less with it. I feel you should play Kuldeep Yadav, and if you are still unable to play Kuldeep Yadav, it will be an absolute travesty. If we are going towards Washi, and just with the thinking that who bats better, then we are just barking at the wrong tree,” Chopra added.

“We might take 20 wickets and win the match, but we won’t do right in terms of philosophy. If we are still unable to show the courage to play Kuldeep, then this team is going in a slightly different direction, which is perhaps not the right direction. We got burnt in BGT (in Australia),” he further remarked.

Kuldeep Yadav has taken 21 wickets in six Tests (11 innings) against England at an impressive average of 22.28, including one five-wicket haul. He played a key role in India’s home Test series win over the Ben Stokes-led side last year.

Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also advocated for Kuldeep’s inclusion in the playing XI for the second Test against England, starting on July 2.

Ashwin said the match would also reveal whether Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill are committed to the goal of claiming 20 wickets.

"There is a serious question of Gambhir and Gill's commitment to take 20 wickets. This Test will show us. If you are seriously committed, Kuldeep gets a look-in," Ashwin said on his YouTube channel.

"Kuldeep Yadav has to play. If there is not much grass, Kuldeep has to play. Drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep has to play. If he does play, the England tail also won't score many runs. Kuldeep would help you win 2-3 Tests in the series as he would create problems."