India’s tour of England in 2025 has already sparked intense cricketing conversations, not only because of the opening Test loss at Headingley but due to strategic decisions involving Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead. According to team management, Jasprit Bumrah will not play all five Tests of the series and is likely to miss the 2nd Test at Edgbaston, beginning July 2.

Despite his heroic efforts in the first Test—bowling 43.4 overs and picking up crucial wickets—India are determined to manage Bumrah’s workload across the long-format series. The 31-year-old has had his share of injuries in the past, and preserving him for the rest of the series and upcoming international calendar is a clear priority.

With Jasprit Bumrah likely to be rested, fans and experts are now discussing the top replacements who can slot into India’s playing XI for the second Test. Let's explore the three best options India can consider.

1. Arshdeep Singh – The Left-Arm X-Factor

Arshdeep Singh, though uncapped in Test cricket, has long been considered one of the most promising left-arm seamers in Indian cricket. His domestic record supports the notion:

• 21 First-Class matches

• 66 wickets

• Ability to swing the ball both ways

Arshdeep is a natural new-ball bowler, and his ability to move the red ball makes him an intriguing prospect in English conditions. With the ball swinging in both directions and the overcast Edgbaston environment offering help to pacers, Arshdeep's left-arm angle adds variety to an otherwise right-arm heavy pace attack.

Although not a like-for-like replacement for Bumrah, Arshdeep’s selection could bring freshness to the bowling unit. He has also played County Cricket in England, gaining experience of local conditions. While replicating Bumrah’s impact is a steep task, Arshdeep’s addition might be India's best shot at unsettling England’s left-right batting combinations early in the innings.

2. Akash Deep – The Steady Performer with Red Ball Experience

Unlike Arshdeep, Akash Deep has Test experience under his belt, having featured in seven Test matches already. Here’s a quick statistical snapshot:

• 7 Tests

• 15 wickets

• Average: 35.2

He made his Test debut against England last year in Ranchi and has since grown in stature as a reliable pacer. His ability to bowl long spells and extract bounce on helpful surfaces makes him a solid choice.

More importantly, Akash Deep is a handy lower-order batsman. With India’s tail exposed at Headingley, his inclusion could offer additional resistance down the order—a factor the selectors might consider.

Given the red ball’s continuous movement in England, Akash Deep could be more effective in providing support to frontline bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar. He brings stability and can maintain tight lines, which is critical on flat patches that Edgbaston might offer on Day 3 and beyond.

3. Nitish Reddy – The All-Round Gamble

Nitish Reddy, the young all-rounder who impressed during the Australia tour, is also in contention. He’s not a specialist pacer, but his presence in the playing XI could add balance to the side, especially if the management wants to lengthen the batting line-up.

Nitish is known more for his batting prowess, but he has a handy ability to swing the red cherry, particularly in helpful conditions. His versatility means he could slot in as a fifth bowling option, thereby reducing the pressure on frontline seamers.

If India opts to play four bowlers and one all-rounder, Nitish could be a strong contender. However, his inclusion might mean that someone like Shardul Thakur or Ravindra Jadeja is rested, which could affect the side’s bowling depth.

Nevertheless, with India focusing on long-term talent development, giving Nitish a chance in a high-pressure away Test could be part of the vision to groom future leaders in the all-rounder department.

Additional Names in Contention

Apart from the primary three names, Harshit Rana is another fast bowler who’s in the reserves. While he's yet to make his debut, Rana has been impressive in India A tours and domestic red-ball tournaments.

There is also a chance India could revert to a three-pacer-two-spinner combination, depending on pitch conditions. In that case, playing an extra spinner like Kuldeep Yadav might be on the table. However, that would only be feasible if India believes spin will play a part at Edgbaston—a rarity in July.

Why Bumrah's Absence is a Big Deal

Let’s not underestimate the value Jasprit Bumrah brings to India’s Test side. With his:

• Unorthodox action

• Reverse swing mastery

• Ability to bowl match-turning spells even with the old ball

He remains irreplaceable in modern red-ball cricket. However, India's emphasis on long-term player fitness, especially considering the World Test Championship Final 2027 and ICC tournaments, makes this decision part of a broader strategy.

Bumrah’s 43.4 overs in the first Test signaled that the team has already used him to full effect in demanding English conditions. A rest in the second game could help him come back refreshed and bowl at his absolute best in the third and fourth Tests—likely crucial ones for India’s comeback in the series.

Conclusion: Who Will Replace Bumrah?

As it stands, Arshdeep Singh looks like the frontrunner, especially if India seeks variety and swing upfront. Akash Deep offers consistency and lower-order value, making him a practical pick. Meanwhile, Nitish Reddy presents an exciting gamble if the team thinks out-of-the-box with a longer batting lineup and part-time seam option.

India's final choice will depend on pitch reports, weather conditions in Birmingham, and how the team management plans to rotate bowlers over the next few weeks. One thing is certain: replacing Bumrah isn’t about finding an identical substitute, but rather rebalancing the squad smartly in a way that maximises available resources without sacrificing competitive edge.

With the 2nd Test scheduled to begin on July 2, fans eagerly await the official team announcement, curious to see who steps into Bumrah’s large shoes at Edgbaston.

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