Ex-England fast bowler Stuart Broad has condemned India's choice of players in the first Test against England at Headingley as a major tactical error. India, who had scored five centuries in two innings, went down to England by five wickets after England pursued a record 371-run target. As per Broad, among the important reasons why India lost was the fact that Shardul Thakur was played ahead of left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav. While talking on the podcast For the Love of Cricket, Broad pointed out that the pitches at Edgbaston and England's historical susceptibility to wrist spin made Kuldeep a perfect choice. India’s bowling attack in the first Test lacked control in crucial moments, especially during England’s run chase. While Shardul Thakur offers batting depth, his bowling lacked penetration, and Kuldeep’s ability to bring variety and deceive batters with his wrist spin was sorely missed. Broad opined Kuldeep's presence would have provided India with a strategic advantage, especially considering England's aggressive strategy under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, known as 'Bazball', has been struggling against quality wrist spin. Broad's call is consistent with earlier analysis of Kuldeep's potency, particularly with the support of high-intensity pace bowling under the leadership of Jasprit Bumrah. Here is what Broad said on ‘For the Love of Cricket “I think they got their team selection wrong, if I’m honest. Kuldeep Yadav should have played instead of Shardul Thakur. Especially with the kind of pitch and England’s known struggle against wrist spin, Kuldeep could have made a big difference,” Read also: Jayden Seales fined 15% for send-off to Cummins in 1st Test. Betting on the second Test at Edgbaston, Broad floated another suggestion: if Bumrah is rested as a part of India's workload management scheme, the team might think about giving left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh his debut. Broad's contention was that Arshdeep's natural angle and earlier swing could prove to be a useful commodity in English conditions. Though Prasidh Krishna looked better in the second innings, Broad perceived that the Indian attack as a collective did not have the bite and consistency necessary to finish off partnerships and continue putting pressure. Arshdeep, having taken 66 wickets in 21 first-class matches at an average of 30.37, might impart much-needed fresh air and may be able to provide left-arm variation. Yet, Akash Deep competition will make things difficult for selection choices, particularly with India now behind in the series and under pressure to bounce back. “If Bumrah is going to be rested at Edgbaston, I’d be tempted to bring in Arshdeep Singh. The left-arm angle and his ability to swing the ball early on could offer something different to India’s bowling attack. While Prasidh Krishna improved in the second innings, the attack overall lacked control and wicket-taking threat. It’s not panic stations. You can’t afford to rip up plans after one loss. India were in control for most of the Test, and just need a few tweaks rather than wholesale changes,”