India vs England: Will Kuldeep Yadav Make His Test Debut at Lord's?

High Stakes at Lord's

India is set to face England in the third Test at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground, where the pressure is on Shubman Gill and his team to maintain their winning streak. A significant point of discussion is whether Kuldeep Yadav will be included in the playing XI. Despite his potential, Kuldeep has yet to participate in any matches during this series, raising eyebrows among fans. Indian captain Shubman Gill has opted for Washington Sundar, citing the need for additional batting strength over Kuldeep's inclusion.

Captain's Insight on Team Selection

Gill explained the decision, stating, "We were tempted to play Kuldeep, but after assessing our last match, we felt our lower order needed reinforcement, leading us to prioritize batting depth."

Kuldeep's Return to Test Cricket

After a lengthy injury hiatus, Kuldeep Yadav is back in the Test arena, having last played against New Zealand in a series that India unfortunately lost. In his 13 Test appearances, he has taken 56 wickets, with 21 of those against England.

Pitch Conditions Favor Fast Bowlers

The pitch at Lord's has been prepared with a green incline, promising ample seam and swing, particularly in the initial days of the match. Historically, the conditions at Lord's tend to favor fast bowlers, especially given London's weather, which often supports swing bowling.

Challenges for Batters

The unique slope of the ground at Lord's poses additional challenges for batters, as it can induce natural movement even without exaggerated bowling actions. Given the pitch's characteristics, which are expected to benefit fast bowlers, it seems unlikely that Kuldeep Yadav will feature in this crucial third Test.