The India vs. England 2nd Test match, part of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, is scheduled to begin on July 2, 2025, at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Following a 5-wicket defeat in the first Test at Headingley, Leeds, the Indian team, led by Shubman Gill, is expected to make strategic changes to their playing XI to level the series.

One of the most significant concerns for India is the potential absence of key bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who might be rested as part of workload management. This absence could lead to a reshuffling of the bowling attack, with opportunities for fresh talent. During practice sessions in Birmingham, pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep were observed bowling lengthy spells, suggesting they are strong contenders to fill the void. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and bowling coach Morne Morkel were seen giving them focused attention.

Several experts have weighed in on the possible changes to the team composition. Former England cricketer Alastair Cook suggested that India might consider including Nitish Kumar Reddy, who can contribute with both bat and ball, and Kuldeep Yadav, to add variety to the spin department. Former Indian wicket-keeper Deep Dasgupta recommended including Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of Sai Sudharsan, and playing Kuldeep Yadav at No. 8.

Amidst the speculation, practice pictures have offered some clues. One image showed Karun Nair, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy practicing in the slip cordon, while Yashasvi Jaiswal was seen fielding at leg slip and short leg. The inclusion of Nitish Kumar Reddy in the slip cordon has been interpreted as a strong indication of his potential inclusion in the playing XI.

The likely playing XI could see a few changes:

• Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul are likely to continue as openers. Sai Sudharsan's place is uncertain after modest scores in the first Test. Shubman Gill will lead the team and bat in the top order.
• Middle Order: Rishabh Pant is expected to keep his place as the wicket-keeper batsman. Karun Nair may continue in the middle order.
• All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja's all-round skills provide balance to the team. Nitish Kumar Reddy is a strong contender to replace Shardul Thakur, offering both batting depth and medium-pace bowling.
• Bowlers: With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, Mohammed Siraj will lead the pace attack. Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep are frontrunners to replace Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna. Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion could add a different dimension to the bowling attack.

Therefore, a possible Indian XI for the 2nd Test could be: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Nitish Kumar Reddy/Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, and Arshdeep Singh/Akash Deep.

The toss on Day 1 is scheduled for 3:00 PM IST on July 2 (Wednesday), with the first ball to be bowled at 3:30 PM IST. The match will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the JioHotstar app and website.