The Indian cricket team is set for a major reshuffle in the India XI for the 2nd Test against England, starting today in Birmingham. After a disappointing five-wicket loss at Headingley, the team management is under pressure to make strategic changes, both to strengthen the bowling attack and address the fragile lower-order batting.
With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, Shardul Thakur facing the axe, and debates over spin options, India’s playing XI could see at least three changes as they look to level the series.
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Why India Needs to Prioritize 20 Wickets
India’s biggest concern after the first Test was their inability to take 20 wickets despite scoring heavily. While lower-order runs can be valuable, they mean little if the bowling attack lacks penetration. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted that India might finally shift focus from batting depth to pure wicket-taking ability.
Shardul Thakur, picked as a “bowling all-rounder,” bowled just 16 overs in the first Test and contributed little with the bat. His lack of impact has forced India to reconsider its strategy. If they are serious about winning, they must field a bowling attack capable of dismissing England twice—even if it means sacrificing some runs down the order.
Three Likely Changes in India XI for 2nd Test
1. Nitish Reddy to Replace Shardul Thakur
Shardul’s underwhelming performance both with bat and ball has opened the door for Nitish Kumar Reddy. The young all-rounder impressed in Australia and offers a better balance with his aggressive batting and handy medium pace.
Assistant coach ten Doeschate confirmed Reddy is “very close” to playing, emphasizing his value as a batting all-rounder who can bowl crucial overs. If selected, Reddy would bat at No. 7, allowing India to play an extra bowler without completely weakening the tail.
2. Washington Sundar or Kuldeep Yadav as Second Spinner?
India’s struggle to control the game in the middle overs at Headingley has pushed them towards playing two spinners. While Kuldeep Yadav’s wrist spin provides a wicket-taking threat, Washington Sundar’s batting ability might give him the edge.
Skipper Shubman Gill admitted that a second spinner could help control the run flow when the ball gets soft. However, sources suggest Kuldeep may still miss out, with Sundar’s all-round skills being preferred.
3. Akash Deep in for Jasprit Bumrah (Workload Management)
Bumrah, India’s best bowler in the first Test, bowled 44 overs at Headingley. To manage his workload, the team is likely to rest him for the second Test. Bengal pacer Akash Deep, who made his debut in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is the frontrunner to replace him.
Akash Deep brings sharp seam movement and could add variety to India’s pace attack, which otherwise relies heavily on right-arm medium-fast bowlers.
India’s Predicted Playing XI for the 2nd Test
Based on training sessions and team management hints, India’s likely lineup is:
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- KL Rahul
- Sai Sudharsan / Karun Nair
- Shubman Gill (c)
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Nitish Kumar Reddy
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Washington Sundar
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
- Akash Deep
This combination gives India six bowling options while maintaining decent batting depth.
The Big Debate: Batting Depth vs. Bowling Firepower
India’s obsession with long batting line-ups has often come at the cost of bowling potency. While extra runs can help in recovery situations, they don’t guarantee wins unless the bowlers can take 20 wickets.
Former players and experts have urged India to prioritize a stronger bowling attack. Greg Chappell pointed out that India’s seamers lack variety, making it easier for batters to settle. Adding a left-arm pacer like Arshdeep Singh or a wrist-spinner like Kuldeep could break the monotony.
If India truly wants to win this series, they must back their bowlers—even if it means accepting a slightly shorter tail.
Final Decision on Bumrah and Pitch Conditions
Skipper Shubman Gill confirmed that Bumrah is “available” but hinted at the need for workload management. The final call will depend on the pitch, which is reportedly 11mm of grass but has a dry base underneath. Rain forecasts could also influence India’s decision to play two spinners.
England, meanwhile, have named an unchanged XI, putting more pressure on India to respond with a winning combination.
Conclusion: A Test of India’s Intent
The India XI for the 2nd Test will reveal whether the team is serious about taking 20 wickets or remains fixated on batting security. With three potential changes—Nitish Reddy, Washington Sundar, and Akash Deep India seems ready to take a more aggressive approach.
If they get the balance right, this could be the game where India turns the series around.
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My name is Krishanu Das the founder of the Sports Dribble.
I am Accountant by profession but a Sports Blogger by passion.
I am passionate about sharing my all knowledge and experiences of sports, with my readers and every sports enthusiast.
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