No Bumrah in India’s 2nd Test XI? Training Session Reveals Big Hints
India’s preparations for the second Test against England at Edgbaston have taken an intriguing turn. With just days remaining before the July 2 kickoff, India’s training session has offered a strong indication that pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah may be rested. The focus keyword “No Bumrah” has sparked speculation about a new playing XI featuring fresh combinations — including two spinners and young all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Why No Bumrah?
Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled 43.4 overs in the first Test at Headingley, looked physically drained and was seen sending down just a few deliveries in India’s Edgbaston training session. The team management, keen to protect his body over a five-match Test series, seems likely to rest him for the second Test. No Bumrah
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed that a final decision on Bumrah’s participation would be made within 24 hours. But judging by the training session and Bumrah’s limited involvement, it appears all but certain that India will go into the second Test without their pace ace. No Bumrah
What Does That Mean for India’s Bowling Attack?
Without Bumrah, the fast-bowling attack will be reshuffled. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna, who led the pace unit in Leeds, are likely to continue. The third pacer’s slot is being closely contested between:
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Arshdeep Singh, a left-armer who brings variety with his angle and swing No Bumrah
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Akash Deep, who was impressive during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and moves the ball sharply
Both have their merits. Arshdeep’s angle could trouble England’s top order, while Akash Deep has been consistently hitting good lengths and extracting seam movement. However, Arshdeep might edge ahead due to his ability to create rough patches for the spinners. No Bumrah
The End of Shardul’s Run?
Shardul Thakur, known for his all-round contributions, had an off game in the first Test. He bowled only 16 overs across two innings and scored just 5 runs. That kind of performance isn’t enough to hold a spot in a must-win Test. No Bumrah
Enter Nitish Kumar Reddy — the promising Andhra Pradesh all-rounder who has impressed selectors with his composed batting and lively seam bowling. He is likely to take Shardul’s place, offering better control with the ball and more reliable contributions with the bat. No Bumrah
Two Spinners Likely at Edgbaston
The Headingley pitch was a paradise for batters, but Edgbaston, especially in hot weather conditions, traditionally assists spinners as the game wears on. India felt the absence of a second spinner in the first Test and may not make that mistake again. No Bumrah
So who partners Ravindra Jadeja?
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Kuldeep Yadav offers attacking wrist-spin, capable of taking wickets in clusters.
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Washington Sundar brings batting depth and tidy off-spin, providing better balance to the XI.
With Jadeja a certainty (provided he clears fitness), the choice between Kuldeep’s aggression and Sundar’s control and all-round ability will depend on how much turn the pitch is expected to offer by Day 3. There’s even a chance that both might feature, giving India a double-spin, double-all-rounder formula. No Bumrah
Fielding Shake-up
Fielding has also come under scrutiny. India dropped four chances in the slip cordon during the first Test, some at crucial moments. Yashasvi Jaiswal, who stood at gully, has been moved out. The recent training session featured:
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Karun Nair at first slip
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KL Rahul at second slip
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Shubman Gill at third slip
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Reddy and Sai Sudharsan alternating between fourth slip and gully
The shake-up is part of India’s plan to plug leaks and avoid easy runs through dropped catches.
Pressure on India
India trail 0-1 in the five-Test series after a defeat that exposed multiple issues — team selection, catching, and over-reliance on Bumrah. With England naming an unchanged XI, the pressure is entirely on the visitors to make smart changes and deliver on the field. No Bumrah
The likely absence of Bumrah gives India a chance to test their bench strength, which has often been touted as the team’s biggest asset. Players like Reddy, Sundar, and Kuldeep have all performed well in domestic and A-team cricket. The question is whether they can step up on the big stage.
India’s Probable XI for 2nd Test (Based on Training Hints)
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Rohit Sharma (C)
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Yashasvi Jaiswal
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Shubman Gill
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KL Rahul (wk)
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Karun Nair
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Nitish Kumar Reddy
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Ravindra Jadeja
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Washington Sundar / Kuldeep Yadav
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Mohammed Siraj
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Prasidh Krishna
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Arshdeep Singh / Akash Deep
Final Thoughts
“No Bumrah” doesn’t mean India will be underpowered — it means India must now innovate. This Test match at Edgbaston will test more than just skills — it will test India’s strategic flexibility and mental strength.
Can this refreshed lineup turn the series around? If they do, the gamble to rest Bumrah and change spin strategy could go down as a masterstroke. If they falter again, the criticism will only grow louder.
For now, fans wait — not just for the toss, but for a glimpse of a revamped India ready to fight back.
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