England vs India, 2018: 5 Indian players who might not feature in 1st Test

#5 Kuldeep Yadav

England & India Net Sessions

The rise of Kuldeep Yadav on the global level is far away from being secret. Kuldeep’s customary guile and equally idiosyncratic technique have reaped stunning results for the Indian team in recent past. Thus, Kuldeep's inclusion in the test squad didn't come as a surprise, predominantly, because he earned the call-up.

However, Kuldeep's incorporation in the playing XI for the first test remains an enigma for many. Although Kuldeep seems to be a fair enough choice for the first test, India might persist with Ravi Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja as their customary spinner. With Ashwin or Jadeja, India will fuse a more than an able batting option that could provide strength to the Indian tail lacking Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Besides, with rain finally failing in some parts of England, especially Birmingham, the conditions might alter the Indian team's tactics of using Kuldeep Yadav. Nevertheless, the rain might turn out to deny Kuldeep Yadav the opportunity in the test side.

Therefore, much like how India left out Kuldeep in the 3rd T20I against England in Bristol, India might bench Kuldeep for the first test based upon the pitch that Edgbaston may produce in the first test.