India Mulls spin duo for redemption

Birmingham

India heads into the second Test against England grappling with a crucial selection dilemma: how to strike the right balance between batting depth and bowling firepower. After a disappointing defeat at Leeds, where England chased down a record 371, India is under pressure to field a combination capable of claiming 20 wickets. The absence of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav was felt deeply in the series opener. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate admitted that the team is still working to identify the best bowling mix, stressing the need for aggressive wicket-taking options.

On Birmingham’s traditionally batting-friendly surface, India is expected to go with two spinners. The choice lies between Washington Sundar’s utility with the bat and Kuldeep’s attacking prowess. Ravindra Jadeja remains a certainty. In the pace department, uncertainty looms over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability. If rested, the likely pace trio includes Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, and Prasidh Krishna. All eyes will be on their consistency, especially after faltering without Bumrah’s support in Leeds.

The batting unit appears settled, but India will be keen to avoid lower-order collapses that have cost them valuable runs. KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Yashasvi Jaiswal will aim to build on promising starts, while Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair are set for another opportunity. England, led by Ben Stokes, remains confident with Chris Woakes spearheading the pace attack. Jofra Archer has withdrawn due to a family emergency. With both teams adapting strategies, the stage is set for a fiercely contested encounter at Edgbaston starting July 2.