The Indian cricket team has begun its preparations for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham, starting July 2, 2025, following a five-wicket defeat in the first Test at Headingley. The loss exposed vulnerabilities in India’s bowling and fielding, prompting head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill to reassess their strategy. A significant talking point from the recent practice session was the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and fellow pacer Mohammed Siraj from bowling drills, while spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar worked tirelessly in the nets. This article delves into India’s preparations, the implications of Bumrah and Siraj skipping bowling practice, and the potential changes to the playing XI, with a focus on leveraging spin to exploit England’s weaknesses.
Context: India’s Challenges After the First Test
India’s defeat in Leeds was marked by inconsistent bowling and poor fielding. Jasprit Bumrah emerged as the standout performer, claiming a five-wicket haul (5/83) despite four dropped catches off his bowling, highlighting his critical role in the team. However, other pacers, including Mohammed Siraj (2/122 and 0/51) and Prasidh Krishna (3/128 and 2/92), struggled with consistency, leaking runs due to erratic lines and lengths. The team’s slip cordon, despite being statistically efficient, faltered, with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravindra Jadeja dropping key chances.
With England taking a 1-0 lead in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy, India faces pressure to level the series. The Birmingham pitch, expected to offer some assistance to wrist spinners, has fueled discussions about potential changes to the bowling lineup. The absence of Bumrah and Siraj from bowling practice has further intensified speculation about workload management and tactical shifts.
Practice Session Insights: Bumrah and Siraj’s Absence
On June 27, 2025, India held their first net session at Edgbaston, with all squad members present but Bumrah and Prasidh Krishna notably absent from bowling drills. Bumrah, who bowled 44 overs in the first Test, is likely being rested as part of workload management, a decision confirmed by coach Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar. Sources indicate Bumrah will miss the second Test, with a final call expected on July 1. This aligns with the pre-series plan to limit Bumrah to three of the five Tests, given his recent back injury and the demanding schedule.
Mohammed Siraj, criticized for inconsistent bowling in Leeds, also skipped bowling practice but spent significant time batting in the nets. His performance in the first Test drew scrutiny, with former cricketer Mohammad Kaif noting Siraj’s failure to use tactical acumen. However, Siraj’s extended batting session suggests the team may be preparing him for a more all-round role or simply allowing him recovery time after bowling 41 overs in Leeds.
In contrast, spinners Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja bowled extensively, each logging an hour in the nets. Kuldeep and Sundar, in particular, extracted turn and troubled Rishabh Pant, indicating their readiness to exploit spin-friendly conditions in Birmingham. Pacers Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep, who did not play in the first Test, were active, bowling with both new and old balls to simulate match conditions. All-rounders Shardul Thakur and Nitish Kumar Reddy also bowled, adding depth to India’s options.
Strategic Implications: The Case for Kuldeep Yadav
The Birmingham pitch is anticipated to offer some turn, especially in the latter stages, making Kuldeep Yadav a strong candidate for inclusion. Former captain Sunil Gavaskar has advocated for Kuldeep to replace Shardul Thakur, citing the wrist spinner’s ability to exploit England’s struggles against spin. Kuldeep, who has 56 wickets in 13 Tests, including four five-wicket hauls, is known for his variations and ability to trouble batsmen on turning tracks. Former coach Bharat Arun also endorsed Kuldeep, highlighting his effectiveness in England, where wrist spinners like Shane Warne have historically succeeded.
Kuldeep’s inclusion could address India’s need for a wicket-taking threat, especially in the absence of Bumrah. England’s batsmen, including Ollie Pope and Harry Brook, have shown vulnerabilities against wrist spin, and Kuldeep’s ability to use rough patches could be decisive in the second innings. Washington Sundar’s performance in the nets, alongside Jadeja, further strengthens India’s spin options, potentially allowing for a three-spinner strategy.
Potential Bowling Lineup Without Bumrah
With Bumrah likely rested, India must recalibrate its bowling attack. Mohammed Siraj is expected to lead the pace unit, despite his inconsistent form in Leeds. Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm pacer with swing capabilities, is a frontrunner to replace Bumrah, offering a unique angle that could challenge England’s batsmen. Akash Deep, known for his ability to generate seam movement, is another option, having impressed in the nets. Nitish Kumar Reddy, a medium-pace all-rounder, provides batting depth and could be considered if India prioritizes balance.
Team India’s Squad and Potential XI
Below is the current Indian Test squad for the England series and a potential playing XI for the Birmingham Test, factoring in the practice session insights and strategic considerations:
Player | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
Shubman Gill (c) | Batsman | Confirmed in XI |
Rishabh Pant (vc, wk) | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | Confirmed in XI |
Yashasvi Jaiswal | Batsman | Confirmed in XI |
KL Rahul | Batsman | Confirmed in XI |
Sai Sudharsan | Batsman | Likely to retain spot |
Karun Nair | Batsman | Likely to retain spot |
Ravindra Jadeja | All-rounder (Spinner) | Confirmed in XI |
Kuldeep Yadav | Bowler (Spinner) | Likely inclusion |
Mohammed Siraj | Bowler (Pacer) | Confirmed in XI |
Arshdeep Singh | Bowler (Pacer) | Likely inclusion |
Akash Deep | Bowler (Pacer) | Possible inclusion |
Nitish Kumar Reddy | All-rounder (Pacer) | Bench |
Shardul Thakur | All-rounder (Pacer) | Likely to be dropped |
Prasidh Krishna | Bowler (Pacer) | Bench, did not bowl in nets |
Jasprit Bumrah | Bowler (Pacer) | Likely rested |
Dhruv Jurel | Wicketkeeper-Batsman | Bench |
Washington Sundar | All-rounder (Spinner) | Possible inclusion |
Abhimanyu Easwaran | Batsman | Bench |
Potential Playing XI for Birmingham Test: Shubman Gill (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Karun Nair, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Washington Sundar/Akash Deep.
Tactical Considerations and Challenges
India’s strategy hinges on balancing the bowling attack while compensating for Bumrah’s absence. A three-spinner lineup (Jadeja, Kuldeep, Sundar) could exploit the pitch’s turn, but it risks weakening the pace attack if Siraj and Arshdeep/Akash Deep fail to deliver. The team’s fielding, particularly in the slips, needs improvement to support the bowlers, as dropped catches were a significant factor in Leeds.
Gambhir’s extended conversations with Arshdeep and Akash during practice suggest a focus on preparing them for larger roles. The team’s relaxed mood, bolstered by a recent bonding activity at an adventure park, indicates confidence despite the loss. However, the short turnaround between the second and third Tests (July 10 at Lord’s) necessitates careful workload management, particularly for Siraj.
In Summary
India’s preparations for the Birmingham Test reflect a strategic shift towards spin, with Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar emerging as key figures in the nets. Bumrah’s likely absence is a blow, but it opens opportunities for Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep to step up. Siraj’s role as the pace leader will be crucial, despite his recent struggles. With Gambhir and Gill backing the squad’s transition phase, India aims to leverage its spin resources and improve fielding to level the series. The optional practice session on June 28 will provide further clarity on the final XI, with all eyes on whether India can adapt and overcome England’s challenge at Edgbaston.
