India are likely to make a couple of changes in the playing XI for the 2nd Test match against England. The visitors failed to defend a big target of 371 in the first Test match and suffered a five-wicket defeat.
Jasprit Bumrah, who spearheads India’s pace attack, is set to be rested for the 2nd game while there could be a coulpe of more changes in the playing XI. India’s batting is likely to remain unchanged for the 2nd Test.
Former India captain, Mohammad Azharuddin, picked Kuldeep Yadav as the player who should play the 2nd Test. Speaking to PTI, Azharuddin said: “They are too much dependent on Bumrah. It’s not easy because you need more experienced bowlers, and they should play Kuldeep Yadav. We lost because of batting collapse, but anyways now they have to pick the right players and bowling has to be perfect.”
Kuldeep will compete with Washington Sundar for a place in the final XI. Kuldeep has the mystery factor while Sundar can contribute with the bat. Ravindra Jadeja, who was the sole spin-bowling all-rounder in the first Test, looks set to retain his position in the final XI.
Kuldeep played his previous Test against New Zealand in October 2024. Sundar was part of the Australia tour. He pipped R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja to get a place in the playing XI for the series opener in Perth. Ashwin, who only featured in 1 out of the first 3 Tests, retired after the third Test match.
Kuldeep has played 13 Tests since his debut in 2017. Sundar, who made his Test debut in 2021, has played 9 Tests. The 2nd Test of the five-match series will be played from July 2 to 6 in Birmingham.
From Birmingham, the action will move to Lord’s for the 3rd Test between July 10 to 14. Manchester and London will host the last two Tests from July 23 and 31, respectively.