All cricket enthusiasts, are you prepared for an upcoming shocking twist? Jasprit Bumrah, India’s fiery fast-bowling titan, will not play in the 2nd Test between India and England at Edgbaston.
After delivering an incomparable 5-83 in the Headingley opener, Bumrah’s withdrawal surprises cricket lovers. Now, team India needs to refurbish its strategies: three rotations, zero compromises on competitiveness.
Speculation is rife, squad conversations buzzing, with one name missing and three new faces are introduced. When you play fantasy cricket game online in India, always check the latest news and updates to draft a winning team.
This article unravels further details about this dramatic plan.
Trusting the Backbone: Why Bumrah Stays Put
Team India’s management isn’t taking this decision lightly.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir emphasized that Bumrah was always scheduled for just three Tests on this grueling tour, irrespective of the outcome. Think of it as a chess move: sacrificing now to win later.
Their long-term approach takes precedence, especially for a bowler of Bumrah’s form and fragility.
The Trio: Three New Entrants, One Exit
With Bumrah out, there’s movement. Three players are sliding into the eleven; one won’t be making it. Here’s the lineup change breakdown. When you play fantasy cricket game online in India and planning to draft a match-winning team, carefully evaluate all parameters, including the actual playing squad, pitch conditions, injury status, weather report, and many more.
- Prasidh Krishna: This explosive bounce merchant is a promising wicket-taking bowler in India. His Headingley spell showed teeth, and Gambhir spoke in glowing terms.
- Shardul Thakur: He deserves credit for chipping in during Leeds, even in limited spells.
- Akash Deep: His famous left-arm variety will add strength to India’s collecting bowling effect.
- Vibes of an incoming spinner: With England pitches notoriously nucleated, some voices (including Sunil Gavaskar’s) are whispering for Kuldeep Yadav over Shardul/
- The big departure: Karun Nair is not included in the team. Though he scored an astonishing triple hundred just months ago, he is dropped from the second Test XI.
No Karun Nair? A Bold Move
Karun recently created headlines with a triple century against England in 2016, an unforgettable innings. Yet, he hasn’t solidified his spot. He is out for Edgbaston, with management opting for depth and balance over potential. While disappointing for Karun, selection isn’t just about past heroics.
The Likely XI: Balance, Depth & Spin
Here’s the speculated playing XI:
- Top Order: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill (c)
- Middle Order: Sai Sudharsan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja
- Lower Order: Nitish Kumar Reddy, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj (or Kuldeep snapped in)
The key talk: two pacers to back Bumrah’s throne alongside a wrist-spinner if conditions bite. Mohammed Siraj will lead the bowling attack, and he will be accompanied by Arshdeep Singh. Between Harshit Rana and Akash Deep, one will be picked up as the third pacer.
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Strategic Shift: Pace, Spin & Batting Combo
- Pace Reinforcements: Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep will boost the seam attack. Edge-of-the-seat bounce is cricket’s new weapon here.
- The All-round Dilemma: Karun’s exit suggests a tilt toward a bowling-heavy set-up over batting depth.
- Spin Switch? Gavaskar’s idea of reintroducing wrist-spin (Kuldeep) is compelling, especially if the pitch favors turn.
Heading into Birmingham: What to Expect?
- Edgbaston rubs wickets unevenly: The pitch is helpful early for new-ballers, then offering turn on Day 4–5.
- With Bumrah missing, India’s pace attack becomes untested but vibrant.
- Leadership matters: Gill’s rise to captaincy will be under the microscope.
Though fans vary on choices, there’s enthusiasm for deeper bowling variety, including bold left-arm or spin options.
Final Take: India’s Calculated Gamble
Resting Bumrah isn’t a retreat; it’s a deliberate gasp before the final sprint in this five-Test battle. The three new players mean momentum, dynamism, and, yes, risk. But it’s precisely calculated to extend India’s hold over the series.
When you play fantasy cricket, carefully choose your playing team to establish dominance in the match.
The Edgbaston Showdown Awaits
Will the fresh legs repay faith? Can England exploit Bumrah’s absence? Or will India’s depth—and Gambhir’s blueprint—triumph at Edgbaston? All these questions will be answered in the 2nd Test, starting July 2 in Birmingham.
Wrapping Up
As the plot congeals and the XI sets, India is betting big on team balance over individual fame. With no Karun Nair, three new entrants and Bumrah on the bench, the squad looks surprising with a vibe of freshness. Selectors are saying it’s not about heroes; it’s about who best fits the script. Edgbaston is ready, are you?
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