Veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has raised serious questions over head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill’s commitment to taking 20 wickets in the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. Following India’s defeat in the series opener at Headingley, Ashwin pointed out the lack of bowling bite beyond Jasprit Bumrah, who was the only standout performer with the ball.

India’s bowling attack, especially the pacers apart from Bumrah, failed to adapt to the conditions in Leeds. Meanwhile, Ravindra Jadeja, India’s lone spinner in the match, came under fire for not being able to exploit the rough areas around Ben Duckett’s off-stump in the second innings.

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Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin strongly advocated for Kuldeep Yadav’s inclusion in the playing XI for the second Test at Edgbaston. According to him, Kuldeep brings the kind of variety and control that can trouble England’s lower order, something India desperately lacked in the first Test.

“There is a serious question of Gambhir and Gill’s commitment to take 20 wickets. If you’re serious, Kuldeep gets a look-in,” Ravichandran Ashwin said. “Drop anyone you want, but Kuldeep must play. He can help you win two to three Tests in this series.”

Kuldeep, who last played a Test in October 2024, was left out of the first match as India opted for Jadeja as their only spinner. However, reports from recent practice sessions suggest Kuldeep may finally get his opportunity in Birmingham.

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India’s record at Edgbaston, though, makes the challenge even tougher. Since 1967, they’ve played eight Tests at the venue—losing seven and drawing one. But with a fresh mindset under Gill’s leadership and a potential tactical shift, India has a rare chance to script history with a win at a ground that has long haunted them.