Everyone is eyeing the Test match to be held in Edgbaston, India and England. But there are many questions about the playing XI of Team India. The biggest question is on the availability of Jasprit Bumrah, but not only Bumrah, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has many more puzzles related to selection.
Will Bumrah play?
The situation regarding Bumrah’s fitness is not clear. Although India’s assistant coach Doshet said that Bumrah is available, it is not decided whether he will play in Edgbaston. In view of the workload management, the final decision will be taken just before the match. Bumrah took 43 overs in Leeds and took five wickets. After getting an eight -day break, the possibility of his playing is strong.
What will happen to Ravindra Jadeja?
There is also talk of excluding Jadeja from the team. In the last five years, he has taken only 23 wickets in 14 Tests in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia), while the strike rate has been 90.6. He could not affect even in the Leeds Test and could take only one wicket.
Also read: Ind vs Eng: ‘I am a fan of Rishabh Pant, Bumrah’s problem …’, Ben Stokes challenged Gill before the second Test
Shardul Thakur or Nitish Reddy?
In the Leeds Test, Shardul Thakur bowled only 16 overs in two innings and scored 1 and 4 runs in batting. In such a situation, Gautam Gambhir can give a chance to Nitish Reddy, who is a batting all -rounder. Even though Reddy’s warm-up matches have not been special in matches, the team management may trust them.
Kuldeep Yadav or Washington Sundar?
The team is preparing to land with two spinners. Who will be the second spinner with Jadeja is a big question. Experts are in favor of Kuldeep Yadav, who has made a strategy against England batsmen in collaboration with Kevin Pietersen. Kuldeep’s ‘Chinaman’ bowling on Edgbaston’s dry pitch can beat England’s ‘badl’ strategy. However, Sundar can be selected to increase batting depth.
Will Sai Sudarshan live or outside?
Sai Sudarshan has played the same Test so far, scoring 0 and 30 runs. If both Sundar and Reddy were included in the playing XI, then one of the Sai or Karun Nair will have to be out. The decision to drop Sai will depend on the team combination.
If you do not play Bumrah?
If Bumrah is given rest, then one of Arshdeep Singh or Akash Deep will get a chance as his alternative. Arshdeep is waiting for a Test debut, but he has the ability to swing on both sides with a new ball. Akash Deep Seam is known for the movement.