Predicting Team India's XI for the second Test vs England

India suffered a heartbreaking loss at Leeds as England chased down a massive 371-run target in the series opener, taking a 1-0 lead in the ongoing five-match Test series. The successful chase turned out to be England’s second-highest in their Test cricket history. 

Advertisment

With the second Test set to begin on July 2 at Edgbaston, Birmingham, India must reassess several key areas to become more effective, lethal, and composed, particularly during crunch moments.

To bounce back, India might need to tweak the playing XI that featured in Leeds. While their top-order was largely in form—producing five centuries across both innings—they will look to carry that momentum into Birmingham. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul should continue as the opening pair, followed by Sai Sudharsan at number three. Sudharsan had a modest debut, scoring a duck and 30, but dropping him after just one Test would seem harsh. The team management is likely to back him for at least one more game.

Advertisment

Captain Shubman Gill and vice-captain Rishabh Pant should retain their places in the middle order. India are also expected to give Karun Nair another chance despite his poor return to Test cricket in Leeds. 

However, one area they could look to alter is the all-rounder slot. Shardul Thakur struggled to make an impact with both bat and ball. He failed to contribute meaningfully with the bat, and though he took two wickets in the second innings, he looked largely ineffective. 

India could consider bringing in Nitish Kumar Reddy, a more batting-heavy all-rounder, whose inclusion could help address the batting collapses that cost India dearly in both innings. In terms of spin, the team needs to make a tough decision. Ravindra Jadeja bowled 47 overs across two innings in Leeds and picked up just one wicket. 

Advertisment

While his control was steady, he lacked penetration. If India opt to go with only one spinner—as is most likely given the conditions—they could consider giving Kuldeep Yadav a chance in place of Jadeja to bring in more variation and attacking intent.

Among the pacers, Prasidh Krishna is expected to retain his spot, although fans would want him to show more consistency in line and length. Jasprit Bumrah is likely to play, but his workload remains a concern. If the management chooses to rest him, Arshdeep Singh could be brought in. 

Alternatively, if Bumrah does play, Arshdeep might still be included in place of Mohammed Siraj, who was expensive and inconsistent in Leeds. There’s also the possibility of giving Akash Deep a chance, especially if Bumrah is rested and Siraj is dropped.

India’s predicted XI for the second Test vs England

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, B Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (capt), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Arshdeep Singh.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!