India’s likely XI for 2nd Test vs England revealed at in practice session photos?
Speculation grows over India’s XI for the 2nd Test as Nitish Reddy and Kuldeep Yadav emerge as top picks amid Greg Chappell’s call for bowling variety.
There has been growing speculation around India's playing XI for the second Test against England, especially after their five-wicket defeat at Headingley. Fans and cricket experts alike have been calling for changes to the squad, with Nitish Kumar Reddy being among the top names discussed. Many believe he could come in for all-rounder Shardul Thakur, whose performance in the first Test came under scrutiny. Additionally, Kuldeep Yadav's potential inclusion has gained traction following India's underwhelming bowling display in the opening game of the series.
Although no official announcement has been made by the team management, training session pictures have given rise to speculation. A photograph shared by RevSportz on X (formerly Twitter) showed Karun Nair, Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Nitish Kumar Reddy forming the slip cordon, while Yashasvi Jaiswal practiced at leg slip and short leg. The presence of Reddy in the slip cordon was interpreted by fans as a significant hint regarding his inclusion. Meanwhile, questions remain over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability for the match.
In the aftermath of the Headingley Test, Australia great Greg Chappell weighed in on India’s selection concerns, highlighting a lack of variety in the bowling attack as a major factor behind the defeat. He advocated for the inclusion of left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh and spinner Kuldeep Yadav, whom he lauded as the “best wrist-spinner since Shane Warne.”
Greg Chappell Calls for Variety, Lauds Kuldeep Yadav
“As disappointing as the fielding in Headingley was, it was not the main reason India lost the Test. Most of India's problems were self-inflicted. Perhaps the most expensive error was the no-ball that gave Harry Brook an early life in the second innings,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNCricinfo. India dropped eight catches during the match, adding to their woes.
See Also: Virender Sehwag’s son and Virat Kohli’s nephew compete for spots in Major T20 League
The former Australian captain was more concerned with India's lack of tactical diversity in bowling. “More concerning to me, though, is the lack of variety in the bowling attack. Apart from Jasprit Bumrah, India's seamers are too similar—all right-arm, medium-fast, operating at comparable angles. There is a reason why wickets often fall after a change of bowling. It forces the batter to recalibrate. That variability isn't available to Shubman Gill with his current crop,” he added.
Tags:
