India vs England 2nd Test: Predicted XI – Arshdeep & Kuldeep In, Shardul Out

The Indian cricket team faces big selection calls going into the 2nd Test match against England. India, who lost the opener of the 5-match series in Leeds last week, are expected to make big changes at Edgbaston, a venue where they lost against England in 2022.

Building up to the 2nd Test, a lot of focus has been on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah for the upcoming game. India captain Shubman Gill addressed the rumours of Jasprit Bumrah not playing in the 2nd Test match and stated that the fast bowler was available for selection, but the final call on his inclusion in the Test match would be taken on Tuesday evening.

Gill also confirmed that India were going to play two spinners in the game, and a call on which two will be taken after seeing the final pitch on the morning of Day 1. India have the options of Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar on the bench. If they want an out-and-out attacking option, they are most certainly going to play the wrist spinner.

India's Shardul dilemma

Bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur was picked for the Test team on the back of a sensational performance in the Ranji Trophy. However, his time on the tour could be cut short as India are likely to bolster their tail with Nitish Reddy, who showed that he was an extremely capable red-ball batter in Australia.

Nitish's inclusion will mean that India will need a specialist bowler added to the line-up, which is likely to be one among Kuldeep or Washington Sundar. This in turn means that India will have to drop one among Karun Nair or Sai Sudharsan from the line-up.