As the India vs England Test series 2025 continues, all eyes are now on India’s probable playing XI for the second Test at Edgbaston, scheduled to begin on July 2, 2025. The biggest talking point ahead of the game is the likely absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, who may be rested for workload management. While India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted there’s still a possibility for Bumrah to feature, the balance appears tilted towards giving him a break.

India’s probable XI for the second Test reflects both tactical adaptations and fitness management. With the pitch in Birmingham expected to assist both seam and spin due to prevailing dry weather, the team management may opt for a two-spinner strategy, raising the question—Sundar or Akash Deep?

Top Order: No Changes Expected

The opening combination of Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will remain untouched. The duo impressed in the Headingley Test, with centuries in each innings, setting a solid platform. Their 90-run opening stand on Day 1 of the first Test helped blunt the English seamers and will be crucial again as they face a similar attack at Edgbaston.

Despite ducks and short stays at Headingley, Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair are expected to retain their spots in the middle order. Sudharsan showed composure in the second innings, while Nair’s experience may count for much-needed resilience at number six.

Captain Shubman Gill, batting at number four, and Rishabh Pant, keeping wickets and batting at five, are automatic picks. Pant’s return has added both aggression and balance to the side.

Middle-Order Puzzle: All-rounders to the Rescue?

The big debate centres on India’s all-round composition. Ravindra Jadeja continues as the first-choice spinner, offering left-arm control and batting depth. But with Bumrah likely sitting out, India needs another bowler who can contribute with the bat—enter Washington Sundar.

Sundar, an off-spinner and capable batsman, is a prime contender. The heat in Birmingham may favour spin, and his ability to play long innings down the order gives India tactical depth. However, Akash Deep, a consistent right-arm pacer, is also in contention if India sticks to a three-pacer formula.

The third all-rounder debate is between Shardul Thakur and Nitish Reddy. India seems to be leaning toward Reddy, who is considered the better batter, even though Thakur offers more with the ball. Reddy could act as a batting cushion in case the top order collapses again.

Bowling Attack: Who Replaces Bumrah?

With Jasprit Bumrah almost certainly out, India faces a dilemma: does it go with Sundar for spin or Akash Deep for pace?

The conditions at Edgbaston will heavily influence this call. If India wants to play two spinners, then Sundar will slot in alongside Jadeja, forming a left-right spin pair. But that may leave the team short on pace options.

In that case, India may consider playing both Akash Deep and Nitish Reddy, offering a three-pronged pace attack alongside Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, who are likely to retain their places after their decent showings in the first Test.

Likely XI and Tactical Choices

Taking all factors into account—pitch, player form, and balance—here’s a look at India’s probable playing XI for the second Test vs England:

• Yashasvi Jaiswal

• KL Rahul

• Sai Sudharsan

• Shubman Gill (Captain)

• Rishabh Pant (Wicketkeeper)

• Karun Nair

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Washington Sundar / Akash Deep

• Nitish Reddy

• Prasidh Krishna

• Mohammed Siraj

Key Considerations for Edgbaston

1. Spin vs Pace: If India anticipates the pitch will assist turn later, they could go with two spinners (Jadeja and Sundar). However, playing three pacers ensures control with the new ball.

2. Batting Depth: With lower-order contributions a concern, Sundar and Reddy offer better support than an extra fast bowler.

3. Experience vs Experimentation: The inclusion of Akash Deep or Reddy, both relatively inexperienced at this level, highlights the risk India is willing to take in Bumrah’s absence.

Why Bumrah May Be Rested

Jasprit Bumrah is central to India’s Test bowling attack, and with the series stretching ahead, team management is wary of overburdening him. In 2025, India is preparing for a packed schedule including the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and potential World Test Championship qualifiers. Resting Bumrah now could be a long-term strategic call.

What’s at Stake?

India leads the series and would want to consolidate the advantage at Edgbaston. But playing without Bumrah is always risky. England, known for bouncing back at home, will try to exploit any imbalance in India’s bowling setup.

India’s selectors have prioritised form, workload, and pitch conditions, and will finalise the XI after observing conditions on match day. Regardless of who plays, the second Test promises to be a thrilling contest in the ongoing India vs England Test series 2025.

With Bumrah out, the spotlight now shifts to India’s team strategy, and whether Sundar or Akash Deep will help plug the gap. Either way, the Edgbaston Test will test India’s bench strength, resolve, and adaptability as they chase another famous victory on English soil.

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