ENG vs IND: Deep Dasgupta picks India's playing XI for 2nd Test

Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta suggested a couple of changes in India's XI for the upcoming Test against England in Edgbaston, set to start on July 2. Deep tried to explore the right combination in the line-up on the basis of the performances in the previous match, where England snatched a win in Headingley, chasing a 371-run target.

India, under Shubman Gill's leadership, had the golden chance to outclass the host nation. But, for multiple drawbacks, Gill and the boys could not make the best of the chances they got. Shardul Thakur became one of the critical points behind the loss; multiple cricket experts were mercilessly against the pace-bowling all-rounder. Dasgupta also opted to put out Thakur from his favorite playing XI for the 2nd to successfully cross the second hurdle. The cricket expert and commentator preferred Kuldeep Yadav over Shardul Thakur. Usually, batters get more elements in Edgbaston than any other field in England. So, Yadav can add more value in the spin bowling department along with Ravindra Jadeja. 

"Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I would love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having a top five amongst runs is that you are not too worried about contribution from your No. 8 with the bat," Deep said.

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Deep Dasgupta did not pick Sai Sudharsan 

Another change Deep suggested was more shocking. He would like to see Karun Nair at Number 3 over Sai Sudharsan. Sudharshan batted in that position in the previous game, and Nair, deep in the middle order. To solidify their combination and increase the depth of the batting order, Deep put Nair at 3 and Nitish Kumar Reddy at number 6. 

"Karun Nair has gotten most of his runs at No. 3. Also, he batted for India A against the England Lions at No. 3... That opens up a space for someone like Nitish at No. 6, who, if required, can give you a few overs of seam," the former cricketer said.