TimesofIndia.com in Birmingham: As India trail 0-1 in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy following a disappointing loss at Headingley, all eyes are on the team’s spearhead, Jasprit Bumrah. The premier fast bowler is available for selection ahead of the second Test, but whether he takes the field remains uncertain. “Jasprit Bumrah is available but we haven’t made a call yet whether he will play this game or not,” India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate told reporters on Monday.Meanwhile, Nitish Kumar Reddy could be in line for his debut. The young batting all-rounder has impressed in training and is “very close to getting a game,” according to ten Doeschate. His inclusion could provide balance to the side, especially if Bumrah is rested.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“Jasprit Bumrah is ready to play, we will take that call at the last moment. Nitish Kumar Reddy is very close to getting a game. He is our premium batting all-rounder,” the Dutchman added. The uncertainty around Bumrah isn’t a question of fitness but one of long-term planning. Head coach Gautam Gambhir had earlier confirmed that Bumrah would feature in only three of the five Tests in the series as part of a pre-decided workload management plan.
“The scoreline doesn’t change that,” Gambhir had asserted after defeat in the first Test, underlining the importance of keeping Bumrah fresh for future fixtures. India’s bowling attack lacked bite in Leeds, and with the series heating up, there is growing pressure to field the strongest XI. Yet, team management seems firm on playing the long game, prioritising Bumrah’s durability over short-term gains. As the second Test looms, India face a crucial decision — go all-in with Bumrah to level the series, or stick to the plan and back their depth. Either way, the management’s commitment to strategic rotation signals a shift in India’s approach: eyes not just on this series, but on sustaining success across formats.
IND vs ENG Series Schedule:
- 1st Test: England v India, 20-24 June 2025, Headingley, Leeds – England won by 5 wickets
- 2nd Test: England v India, 2-6 July 2025, Edgbaston, Birmingham
- 3rd Test: England v India, 10-14 July 2025, Lord’s, London
- 4th Test: England v India, 23-27 July 2025, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester
- 5th Test: England v India, 31 July-4 August 2025, Kia Oval, London
