India set to ring in big changes for 2nd Test vs England: Reddy, Sundar, Akash in line

After a deflating loss in the opening Test at Headingley, Team India is expected to ring in multiple changes for the second match of the five-Test series against England, beginning Wednesday at Edgbaston. The mood in the Indian camp during Monday’s net session reflected urgency and introspection, as whispers about Jasprit Bumrah’s possible rest and a shift in the team combination gained momentum.

India assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate provided insight into the team’s thinking, hinting at likely inclusions of all-rounders Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar, while also acknowledging that Bumrah might be rotated in view of workload management.

Changes Brewing: Reddy, Sundar Set for Game Time

The biggest indicator came from a whiteboard visible during the nets, where Nitish Kumar Reddy was slotted among the lead bowlers, a strong hint that the 21-year-old is in line to replace Shardul Thakur. Reddy, who impressed during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia earlier this year, trained alongside KL Rahul, Karun Nair, and Shubman Gill in the slip cordon and had a full batting and bowling session.

“He’s very close to getting a game,” Ten Doeschate admitted. “He was fantastic in Australia. We just felt Shardul was slightly ahead on the bowling front for the first Test. But now, we’re looking to rejig and get a batting all-rounder in. Nitish is our premium batting all-rounder at the moment.”

In contrast, Thakur, who had a lacklustre outing in Leeds (0/38 & 2/51 with the ball; 5 runs in total), had a subdued session and did not bowl to the top-order batters,  an ominous sign for his place in the XI.

Sundar to Replace Sudharsan?

Another strong possibility is Washington Sundar coming in for B Sai Sudharsan, who had a quiet debut Test. Sundar was given an extended run in the nets with both bat and ball, working alongside Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav. His ability to contribute to both disciplines makes him a viable option, especially if India play two spinners.

“All three spinners are bowling very nicely, and Washy is batting very nicely too,” said Ten Doeschate. “It’s just about what combination we go with. If we pick two spinners, one could be an all-rounder. Washy fits that role.” Sudharsan’s exclusion would free up the No.6 spot for Sundar, adding flexibility to India’s lower order.

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Bumrah Set for Rest, Akash Deep Could Step In

Despite being available, Jasprit Bumrah’s inclusion remains uncertain. With just three days between the second and third Tests, India are weighing the pros and cons of fielding their spearhead. Bumrah bowled a few deliveries and participated in fielding drills, but the think tank led by head coach Gautam Gambhir is wary of compromising his long-term availability.

“We haven’t made a decision yet,” Ten Doeschate said. “He’s technically available. But with four Tests to go, we’re thinking about managing his workload. We feel we can level the series without him and save him for later.”

If Bumrah is rested, Bengal pacer Akash Deep is expected to step in. The 27-year-old impressed during the Australia series and has remained in the mix as a backup seamer.

Other Tactical Shifts: Karun at No.3, Jaiswal Out of Gully

India is also reshuffling their fielding setup. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who dropped multiple chances in the slips during the first Test, was seen taking short-leg catches at practice, hinting at a change in his fielding position. “His hands are sore, and we want to rebuild his confidence,” said Ten Doeschate. “Short-leg is an important position if we go with two spinners.” Meanwhile, Karun Nair is set to move up the order and bat at No.3, replacing Sudharsan in the top three.

Expected India XI for 2nd Test vs England

• Yashasvi Jaiswal
• KL Rahul
• Karun Nair
  
• Shubman Gill (C)
  
• Rishabh Pant (WK)
  
• Washington Sundar
  
• Nitish Kumar Reddy
  
• Ravindra Jadeja
  
• Akash Deep
  
• Mohammed Siraj
  
• Mukesh Kumar

With questions looming over India's ability to bounce back, Edgbaston could be a turning point. For Shubman Gill and his team, the second Test is not just a contest, it’s a test of tactical flexibility, depth, and resolve.