IND vs ENG 2nd Test: India might miss Kuldeep Yadav after posting 587, feels R Ashwin - 'Sincerely hope I'm wrong'

Divy Dubey

IND vs ENG 2nd Test: India might miss Kuldeep Yadav after posting 587, feels R Ashwin - 'Sincerely hope I'm wrong' image

(Getty)

India have batted exceptionally well at Edgbaston with a mammoth first-innings total of 587 in the second Test against England.

While the batting was led by Shubman Gill's stunning 269, backed by crucial knocks from Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja - the focus has now shifted to whether India have enough firepower with the ball to back it up.

Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin took to social media with a message that hinted at one possible shortcoming in India's setup: Kuldeep Yadav's absence.

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Ashwin reacts to Yadav absence in India vs England 2nd Test at Edgbaston

Sharing his thoughts after India's batting effort, Ashwin posted his worry on X.

"With loads of runs on the board and an England win seeming very distant, I hope India don't miss @imkuldeep18. Sincerely hope I am wrong," he wrote on X.

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Kuldeep is a wrist-spinner who brings variation and unpredictability to the attack. He was left out as India went with All-Rounders Jadeja and Washington Sundar.

On a flat pitch that has shown little for pacers so far, Ashwin's remark highlights the potential challenge of taking 20 wickets with limited spin options.

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England now need 388 to avoid the follow-on after being buried under India's imposing first-innings total. Whether Ashwin's worry proves accurate will depend on how England's batters handle the conditions and whether India's attack can back up their batters' big effort.

Divy Dubey

Divy Dubey is a content producer for The Sporting News' India edition. He has a passion for cricket and is an avid fan of football. His work spans culture, media, and digital trends. With a background in research and a curiosity-driven approach, he enjoys crafting thoughtful, engaging stories that invite readers to see everyday topics in a new light.