Following their defeat at Headingley, the Indian cricket team has begun preparations for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, with indications pointing towards potential changes in the playing XI. Jasprit Bumrah, India's premier fast bowler, was notably absent from bowling during the first net session, raising questions about his workload management.
Bumrah wasn't the only pacer to skip bowling at the net session; Prasidh Krishna was also absent. While Bumrah's absence was expected, considering previous reports suggesting he would only play three Tests in the series to manage his workload, Krishna's absence has fueled speculation about a possible bowling overhaul for the upcoming match. Krishna, despite taking five wickets in the first Test, conceded runs at a high economy rate, making him a potential candidate for replacement.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir was observed having extended conversations with Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep, who are now frontrunners to replace Bumrah and Krishna in the lineup. Gambhir had previously stated that Bumrah's availability would be assessed on a game-by-game basis and reiterated the need to manage his workload effectively throughout the series.
Several analysts have suggested possible changes to the team. Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur, anticipating favorable conditions for wrist spin at Edgbaston. Gavaskar also voiced concerns regarding the middle order, particularly debutant Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair, who both recorded ducks in the first innings. While Gavaskar is not immediately in favor of dropping them, he hinted at a possible reshuffle if India faces another defeat.
Former Indian wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta suggested playing Karun Nair at No. 3, replacing Sai Sudharsan and including Nitish Kumar Reddy in the squad. He emphasized that Nair has scored most of his first-class runs at No. 3, and including Reddy would provide an additional seam-up bowling option if required.
Other potential changes include replacing Prasidh Krishna with Arshdeep Singh to add variety to the pace attack with a left-arm seamer. Shardul Thakur's lackluster performance in the first Test has also put his place in the team in doubt, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being a potential replacement.
The Edgbaston pitch could be responsive, and India might need a dynamic all-rounder. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a promising seam-bowling all-rounder. Reddy's domestic performances highlight his potential. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball adds depth to the batting lineup while maintaining a five-bowler strategy.
Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer, brings much-needed variety. His swing bowling and tight lines could trouble England’s predominantly right-handed batsmen, complementing Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. Arshdeep's limited-overs experience and domestic form suggest he's ready for Test cricket.
With the series at stake, these potential changes reflect India's intent to address the shortcomings from the first Test and strive for a more balanced and effective team composition in the second Test against England.
