“Where does Ravindra Jadeja go?” - Dinesh Karthik opens up on India’s playing XI for 2nd Test

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has stated that India’s combination for the second Test completely depends on the Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah’s availability, starting on Wednesday, July 2.

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Notably, India is coming into the second Test after losing the Leeds Test by five wickets to trail the series by 0-1. There were reports that Bumrah is likely to be rested for the Birmingham Test. However, the seamer took part in the optional net sessions and bowled full throttle.

Karthik also opened up on the option of having Nitish Kumar Reddy, batting at No. 7 or No. 8 at the expense of Ravindra Jadeja, who didn’t have a decent game time in Leeds, scalping only one wicket in 47 overs.

"We need to look at both contingencies. What happens if Bumrah is playing and what happens if he is not. India have a massive decision to make. Everything about England tells you that you don't need to play more than one spinner. If you play two spinners that genuinely weakens your batting. So that is a big decision. Are you still going to be looking at Nitish Reddy at number 8? which means just three bowlers. Or Nitish Reddy at 7 then where does Jadeja go?," he said.

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Furthermore, the commentator also asserted that it’s not all about what Bumrah wants to do, but it’s also about what the team management wants to do in the best interest of the team. He added that there is no point going to Lord’s down by 0-2.

"He's bowled a lot of overs. It gives his body more time. The more the better for him. I would like to think he would like to play at Lord's as well. It's quite a nice ground and has lot of history. But it's not about what he wants to do, it's about what the team feels they need to do as well. If they feel there is no point going to Lord's 2-0 might as well try and go 1-1, that is a decision they need to take," he said.

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