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Former cricketer Madan Lal backed India as strong favourites to defend their Asia Cup title in Dubai, highlighting the importance of Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion and the rising challenge posed by Afghanistan.

Danish Malewar scored a brilliant double century while Auqib Dar claimed a hat-trick on Day 2 of the Duleep Trophy. Their standout helped their respective teams establish control in the quarterfinal clash. 

Aakash Chopra suggests Gautam Gambhir's preference for bowlers who can bat might be limiting Kuldeep Yadav's opportunities, despite his improved red-ball form. Kuldeep didn't feature in the England Test series, raising questions about his role under Gambhir's coaching approach. While he's in the Asia Cup squad, a significant role may have to wait for home conditions.

Kuldeep Yadav shared an Instagram story with his fiancée, Vanshika. The couple got engaged back on June 4 in Lucknow. The private ceremony, attended by family and friends including Rinku Singh, took place after the IPL season. Despite being India's only specialist spinner in the Test squad in England, Kuldeep did not play in any of the five matches against England in the Test series.

Keshav Maharaj has regained the top spot in the ICC ODI bowling rankings, surpassing Kuldeep Yadav, who now ranks third. Namibia's Bernard Scholtz made a significant leap to fourth, marking a milestone for Associate cricket. Shubman Gill remains the top ODI batter, while India's Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma lead the T20I batting rankings, showcasing India's dominance in both formats.

England vs India: Spinner Kuldeep Yadav recalled his experience of learning from Kevin Pietersen about the nuances of bowling in England. The wrist-spinner might make his way into the XI for the second Test, starting July 02 in Birmingham.

AB de Villiers has expressed his surprise at reports suggesting Jasprit Bumrah will be rested for some of the ongoing Test series against England. De Villiers questioned the decision, drawing parallels to how South Africa managed Dale Steyn's workload, prioritising his availability for crucial Test matches.

Mohammad Azharuddin has cautioned India against over-relying on Jasprit Bumrah and suggested including Kuldeep Yadav for the second Test against England. He emphasised the need for a more varied bowling attack to support Bumrah. Azharuddin defended Shubman Gill's captaincy, urging patience and support for the new captain despite the team's batting collapse and defeat in the first Test.

Following India's defeat in the first Test against England, former Australia captain Michael Clarke advocates for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion in the second Test at Edgbaston. Clarke emphasizes Kuldeep's wicket-taking ability, suggesting India prioritizes bowlers who can secure 20 wickets. Echoing this sentiment, former England batter Nick Knight believes Kuldeep's variations could challenge England's aggressive batting.

Following their defeat in the first Test, India is contemplating changes for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Jasprit Bumrah's participation is uncertain due to workload management. Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion is strongly considered, given England's struggles against wrist spin.

Jasprit Bumrah displayed intense focus during practice at Edgbaston, bowling with pace and accuracy alongside Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna. Kuldeep Yadav is also working diligently on both his bowling and batting, potentially becoming a key option for the second Test given Birmingham's dry conditions. The team will now take a break before regrouping, with Bumrah's availability remaining uncertain.

Following India's defeat to England, Sunil Gavaskar suggested that spinner Kuldeep Yadav should replace Shardul Thakur for the Birmingham Test, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin. Gavaskar also expressed concerns about the middle order, particularly Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair after their dismissals.