IND vs ENG: The Indian cricket team, under the new leadership of Shubman Gill, faced a disappointing defeat in the first Test of the 2025 England tour at Headingley, Leeds. Despite a strong batting performance, with centuries from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, and Rishabh Pant, India failed to capitalize on their dominance, losing to England’s aggressive chase of 371 runs in the fourth innings. As the team prepares for the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting July 2, 2025, strategic changes in the playing XI are essential to level the series and regain momentum in the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship. This article explores three critical changes India should consider: replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy with Shardul Thakur, swapping Ravindra Jadeja for Washington Sundar, and handing Arshdeep Singh his Test debut in place of Prasidh Krishna or Mohammed Siraj.
India’s First Test Struggles
India’s performance in the first Test was a tale of two halves. The batting unit shone, with five centuries in a single Test—a historic feat for an Indian side. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill set the tone with commanding hundreds, while Rishabh Pant’s twin centuries made him the first Indian wicketkeeper to achieve this milestone in a Test match. KL Rahul and debutant Sai Sudharsan also contributed significantly, helping India post imposing totals. However, the bowling unit faltered, failing to take 20 wickets in the match. Jasprit Bumrah’s five-wicket haul in the first innings was a highlight, but his wicketless effort in the second innings, coupled with lackluster performances from Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur, allowed England to chase down 371 runs comfortably. Ravindra Jadeja, the lone spinner, struggled to make an impact on a pitch that offered little assistance to spin. With workload concerns surrounding Bumrah and a need for variety in the attack, India must rethink their bowling strategy for Edgbaston.
Shardul Thakur for Nitish Kumar Reddy
The first proposed change is to bring back Shardul Thakur in place of Nitish Kumar Reddy. While Nitish Reddy, a batting all-rounder, showed promise in his debut series against Australia, his bowling contribution in the first Test was limited. With India needing a more balanced all-rounder who can deliver with both bat and ball, Shardul Thakur emerges as the ideal candidate.
Shardul Thakur’s case for inclusion is bolstered by his recent performances, particularly in the intra-squad match against India A at Beckenham, where he smashed an unbeaten 122 off 68 balls against a formidable bowling attack comprising Bumrah, Siraj, Krishna, and Arshdeep Singh. Additionally, Shardul picked up four wickets in the same match, showcasing his ability to trouble top-order batsmen like KL Rahul and Shubman Gill. His domestic form in the 2024–25 Ranji Trophy season, where he was a standout performer for Mumbai, further strengthens his case. Shardul has a proven track record in Test cricket, with 31 wickets and 331 runs in 11 matches, including three fifties. His experience in English conditions, where he has taken 10 wickets and scored 122 runs in three Tests, makes him a valuable asset.
Shardul’s bowling offers a unique advantage. As a medium-pace bowler, he can swing the ball in English conditions, providing the control and consistency that Nitish Reddy is yet to develop. His ability to bowl long spells and chip in with crucial breakthroughs makes him a like-for-like replacement for an all-rounder who can support the frontline pacers. Moreover, Shardul’s lower-order batting, often described as gritty and impactful, adds depth to India’s lineup, which could be crucial in tight situations. Former India pacer Ravi Shastri also endorsed Shardul for the first Test, highlighting his ability to bowl significant overs compared to Nitish, who may not bowl more than 12–14 overs per match. With Nitish’s bowling still a work in progress, Shardul’s experience and dual skill set make him the smarter choice for Edgbaston.
Washington Sundar for Ravindra Jadeja
The second change involves replacing Ravindra Jadeja with Washington Sundar to bolster India’s spin-bowling options and add batting depth. Jadeja, a mainstay in India’s Test setup, struggled in the first Test, failing to make a significant impact with either ball or bat. On a Headingley pitch that offered minimal turn, his bowling lacked bite, and his batting contribution was overshadowed by the top order’s dominance. With Edgbaston’s pitch expected to be flatter, as noted in recent analyses of English conditions, India may benefit from a spinner who offers variety and greater batting reliability.
Washington Sundar, a 25-year-old off-spinning all-rounder, brings a compelling case to the table. His ability to bowl tight lines and extract subtle turn makes him a better fit for conditions where spin plays a secondary role. Former India pacer Dodda Ganesh, in a conversation with PTI, advocated for Washington’s inclusion, citing his effectiveness against left-handers and his superior batting ability. Washington’s off-spin could exploit England’s batting lineup, which includes left-handers like Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes, by taking the ball away from them. His first-class record, with 300 wickets and over 2,500 runs, underscores his all-round value. Washington’s Test experience, though limited, includes a memorable 96 not out against England in 2021, proving his capability to anchor the lower order.
Additionally, Washington’s inclusion addresses India’s need for flexibility in the batting order. Unlike Jadeja, who is typically slotted at No. 7, Washington can bat higher up, potentially at No. 6 or 7, providing a buffer against a potential top-order collapse. His calm demeanor and ability to adapt to different situations make him a strategic fit for a team looking to bounce back after a loss. While Jadeja’s experience is undeniable, his recent form and the pitch conditions at Edgbaston tilt the scales in favor of Washington Sundar.
Arshdeep Singh’s Test Debut for Prasidh Krishna or Mohammed Siraj
The third and perhaps most critical change is handing Arshdeep Singh his Test debut, potentially replacing Prasidh Krishna or Mohammed Siraj. India’s pace attack in the first Test lacked variety, with Bumrah who might miss the second test. Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj struggled to maintain consistent lengths, leaking runs and failing to capitalize on early breakthroughs. With doubts over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the second Test due to workload management, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, India must bolster their pace attack with a fresh option.
Arshdeep Singh, a 26-year-old left-arm pacer, brings a unique dimension to India’s bowling unit. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with his experience in English conditions from county cricket, makes him a strong candidate. Arshdeep’s lengthy net sessions ahead of the second Test, where he bowled extensively with an old ball and practiced going around the wicket to right-handers, suggest that India are preparing him for a role where reverse swing could be a factor. His inclusion would add variety to an otherwise right-arm-dominated pace attack, potentially unsettling England’s batsmen, who thrived against predictable bowling in Leeds.
Arshdeep’s first-class record, while not as prolific as his T20I numbers (where he is India’s leading wicket-taker), shows promise. His ability to generate awkward bounce and movement could be particularly effective at Edgbaston, where pitches tend to flatten out by Day 4 or 5, as noted in recent reports. If Bumrah is rested, Arshdeep could slot in alongside Siraj and Akash Deep, forming a balanced pace trio. Even if Bumrah plays, replacing Prasidh Krishna, who was expensive in the first Test, with Arshdeep would provide India with a fresh attacking option. The team management’s focus on Arshdeep’s preparation, as reported by ESPNCricinfo, indicates confidence in his readiness for Test cricket.
Additional Considerations
Beyond these three changes, India must address broader tactical concerns. The team’s inability to take 20 wickets in Leeds exposed a lack of adaptability in their bowling plans. Head coach Gautam Gambhir, despite his absence during the intra-squad match due to a personal emergency, is expected to devise a renewed strategy to counter England’s aggressive “Bazball” approach, led by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum. The inclusion of Shardul, Washington, and Arshdeep aims to provide a balanced attack capable of exploiting varying conditions while maintaining batting depth.
The batting order, while strong, could also see minor tweaks. With Sai Sudharsan impressing on debut and KL Rahul in fine touch, India may retain their top order but consider slotting Washington Sundar at No. 6 to maximize batting flexibility. The final XI will depend on the Edgbaston pitch, which is expected to favor pace early on but flatten out later, making reverse swing and disciplined bowling crucial.
Looking Forward
India’s defeat in the first Test was a wake-up call, highlighting the need for a more dynamic bowling unit and strategic flexibility. By replacing Nitish Kumar Reddy with Shardul Thakur, Ravindra Jadeja with Washington Sundar, and introducing ArshArshdeep Singh for his Test debut, India can address their shortcomings and mount a strong challenge at Edgbaston. These changes bring a mix of experience, variety, and all-round ability, essential for countering England’s aggressive batting and leveling the series. As Shubman Gill leads a young Indian side into the second Test, these tactical adjustments could define the course of the 2025–2027 World Test Championship campaign.
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