India have rung in the changes for the second Test against England at Edgbaston, with batter Sai Sudharsan dropped and the exclusion of Kuldeep Yadav stirring debate among fans and pundits alike. England, who lead the five-match series 1-0, won the toss and opted to bowl first on a pitch expected to assist early seam movement. Sudharsan, who scored 0 and then 30 in the first Test at Headingley, has made way as India sought to recalibrate their top order. The 23-year-old’s debut outing was underwhelming, and with the pressure of a must-win encounter, the management opted for a reshuffle. Pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah has also been rested, as part of his workload management. His absence has opened the door for the inclusion of Akash Deep, with Shardul Thakur also making way. The duo’s exit has seen Washington Sundar and Nitish Kumar Reddy included in the XI, bringing in both versatility and fresh energy. However, what has caught the most attention is the continued omission of wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav. Despite conditions that could assist spin later in the match, Kuldeep was once again left out. Fans took to social media expressing disbelief over the call, particularly with the team seeking wicket-taking options on a wearing surface on Day 4 and 5.
The squad decisions meant that hundreds of reactions poured in, with one tweet reading that India would need ‘650 and then some magic’ to win. Another argued that Sai Sudharsan being dropped was a mistake and that he should have been given more time. Being dropped the very next game after his debut did not sit well with many.
Reactions on Sai Sudharsan being dropped (Image via X)
Reaction on Gautam Gambhir (Image via X)
Jasprit Bumrah (Image via X)
Jasprit Bumrah (Image via X)
Sai Sudharsan (Image via X)
India team (Image via X)
Gautam Gambhir (Image via X)
Jasprit Bumrah (Image via X)
India will look to level the series with a win at Edgbaston, where they are yet to win a Test.
