As India gears up for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, a familiar face from the IPL scene, Harpreet Brar, was spotted participating in the team's practice session, sparking curiosity and speculation. The Punjab Kings' left-arm spinner was seen bowling in the nets alongside the Test squad in Birmingham on Saturday, June 28, drawing attention from fans and observers.

Brar, known for his left-arm spin and all-round capabilities in the IPL, is not part of India's official Test squad for the tour. He was also seen wearing a training outfit different from the team's official kit, suggesting that he was invited as a net bowler or guest to assist the team's preparations, rather than being formally included in the squad. This isn't the first instance of Brar assisting the national team, as he was also a net bowler for the Asia Cup in 2022.

The Indian bowling attack is under pressure heading into the Birmingham Test, after a disappointing loss in Leeds. Despite Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul in the first innings, the team's attack faltered in the second innings as England chased down 371 runs. The rest of the pace attack struggled for control, and India's spin option, Ravindra Jadeja, managed just one wicket across both innings.

With changes likely, there is growing speculation that wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav could be brought into the XI for the second Test. His inclusion would offer more variation, especially if India opt to rest Bumrah, who is reportedly being considered for rotation as part of workload management across the five-match series.

Brar's presence at training may not signal an immediate call-up, but it does highlight the team's interest in diversifying their spin resources. With conditions at Edgbaston often offering turn as the game progresses, the management's approach toward spin combinations could be a key factor as India look to keep their batters prepared to face the turn of the pitch, which can be key for their aim to bounce back in the series.

India started their preparation for the Edgbaston Test after going down at Leeds in the first Test. After losing the series opener at Leeds by five wickets, India began their preparation for the second Test in the five-match series at Edgbaston on Friday, June 27.

While it is clear that Bumrah will play only three out of the five Tests, there is still no clarity over which of those matches he would feature in in the series. He claimed a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the Leeds Test but went wicketless in the second innings as England negotiated his overs without much damage before increasing the scoring rate against the others bowlers. India might also need to take a decision on the inclusion of Kuldeep Yadav, who was not a part of the playing XI in the first Test.

The second Test at Edgbaston is scheduled to start on July 2nd. India will be looking to bounce back in the series, but they have never won a Test at this venue.