India is gearing up for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, commencing on July 2nd, with the team management contemplating crucial changes to the playing XI following their defeat in the first Test. Sources suggest that Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, is looking to make strategic adjustments to bolster the team's chances.
One significant change expected is the resting of Jasprit Bumrah, India's pace spearhead, as part of a pre-planned workload management strategy. This decision opens the door for Akash Deep, a right-arm seamer, who has reportedly impressed in the nets and is likely to make his Test debut. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna are expected to continue in the pace attack.
Another key alteration likely involves the inclusion of a second spinner in the lineup, considering the dry layer underneath the green surface of the Edgbaston pitch. While Ravindra Jadeja is alock, the choice for the second spinner seems to be between Washington Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav. Despite calls from some experts like R Ashwin for Kuldeep Yadav's inclusion, Sundar's control and batting depth might give him the edge. Dropping Shardul Thakur, who didn't perform well in the first Test, might make room for Sundar.
Nitish Kumar Reddy is also in contention to replace Shardul Thakur as a pace-bowling all-rounder, aiming to provide greater control and stability to the batting order.
Therefore, the three likely changes are:
Despite these potential changes, star leg-spinner Kuldeep Yadav is unlikely to find a spot in the playing XI. Some reports suggest that India might make four changes. Yashasvi Jaiswal's fielding position might also be changed after he dropped multiple catches in the first Test.
Gautam Gambhir's decisions are under scrutiny, especially after India's loss in the first Test. Former England cricketer Monty Panesar has expressed concerns about Gambhir's record as India's head coach in red-ball cricket. R Ashwin has stated that the second Test will reveal whether Gambhir and Shubman Gill are serious about taking 20 wickets, emphasizing the importance of including Kuldeep Yadav.
