New Delhi: India head into the second Test against England at Edgbaston facing a series of selection dilemmas, particularly regarding the inclusion of Jasprit Bumrah and the team’s lower-order balance. After a frustrating five-wicket loss in the opening Test at Headingley—despite solid performances with the bat—the pressure is on the team management to get their combination right to level the series.
The top and middle order—comprising KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant—is expected to remain unchanged. While there have been murmurs about replacing Sudharsan with Karun Nair at No. 3, dropping the youngster after just one match would be a drastic move. That said, Nair may still make the XI in a reshuffled batting order.
The real concerns begin from No. 7 downward. All-rounder Shardul Thakur is likely to be dropped after failing to make an impact with either bat or ball in the first Test. Reports from Birmingham suggest that Nitish Kumar Reddy—who has been active in training—may replace Thakur, offering stronger batting support and sufficient bowling depth.
The biggest question is whether Jasprit Bumrah will play. While fully fit, it is understood that India plan to rotate him across the series to manage his workload. With the team already 0-1 down, benching Bumrah would be a risky move, but it’s one they might take if the strategy is to keep him fresh for the final three Tests. In that case, wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is expected to come in. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted that India could field two spinners at Edgbaston, and while Washington Sundar’s name was floated for his batting, Kuldeep’s wicket-taking ability could be key against England’s BazBall aggression.
Kuldeep, alongside Ravindra Jadeja, would give India a varied spin attack, especially on a surface that may not be overly spin-friendly but can still reward skill. His inclusion would bolster India’s ability to take 20 wickets—something they’ve struggled with recently.
India’s likely XI for the second Test includes KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna. The changes reflect a bold attempt to correct course, but whether the gamble pays off remains to be seen in a match that could shape the rest of the series.
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