IND vs ENG: India Hint at Changes for 2nd Test: Arshdeep, Nitish Reddy, Kuldeep in Contention; Bumrah Available but Decision Pending

India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has signaled possible changes to the playing XI ahead of the second Test against England, beginning July 2 at Edgbaston. After a tough loss in the series opener at Headingley, the team management is weighing fresh combinations to bounce back in the five-match Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy.

Doeschate revealed that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, batting all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy, and wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav are all under serious consideration for inclusion. Arshdeep, who offers variety and control with his left-arm seam, could come into the mix if India opts for a two-spinner strategy. “He’s definitely in the selection mix,” Doeschate confirmed, pointing to the need for strategic balance in the bowling unit.

Nitish Reddy, who impressed in Australia, is being considered for the middle-order all-rounder role, especially with the team reassessing the value of a batting all-rounder over a bowling one like Shardul Thakur. “Nitish is our premium batting all-rounder at the moment. I would say it’s a very good chance he plays this Test,” said Doeschate.

Kuldeep Yadav is also in the frame, though his inclusion hinges on pitch conditions and team balance. India are expected to field three seamers, which leaves limited room for an additional spinner unless an all-rounder is rotated. “We’d love to get him into the team… it’s just how you manage that 6-7-8 role,” added the assistant coach.

Meanwhile, India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah is officially available for the Edgbaston Test, though a final decision on his inclusion is yet to be made. Doeschate clarified that while Bumrah is fit and has trained over the weekend, the management is closely monitoring his workload and will determine if this match is the right fit within their three-Test usage plan.

“We know from the start he’s only going to play three out of the five Tests. He’s had eight days to recover, but we’ve yet to decide whether this is the right game for him,” said Doeschate. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier stated that Bumrah would not be used in all five matches to protect his long-term fitness, despite calls from fans and former players to do otherwise.

Bumrah was a standout in the first Test’s first innings, claiming 5/83, but went wicketless in the second as England chased down a record 371. With only two more appearances planned for the ace pacer in this series, the team is now evaluating if Edgbaston, or a later venue like Lord’s or The Oval, would better suit his skillset.

India’s squad for the second Test remains packed with depth and potential. With names like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Siraj, and Kuldeep Yadav in the mix—alongside possible inclusions like Arshdeep, Reddy, and Bumrah—India’s XI is expected to be shaped by pitch behavior and long-term planning.

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