India vs England 2nd Test 2025: Team Changes Announced

India vs England 2nd Test 2025: With India preparing for the test against England at Edgbaston, there will be some changes to the starting XI, after losing the first Test in the series. There should be changes to the batting and bowling unit in an attempt to recover. In the highlights for the sports section today, Washington Sundar is set to come in for Sai Sudharsan, while Karun Nair should move up to No. 3.

Washington Sundar In, Sai Sudharsan Out

Sai Sudharsan should be left out after making his first Test in the last game at Headingley. Yes, he scored 30 runs in the second innings, but his first Test started with a score of 0. Now we also here he may have a shoulder injury as he looked uncomfortable on the field. Even with his partaking in practice sessions and fielding drills, it seems like team management is making a strategic change.

Washington Sundar, who is an allrounder with an off-spin bowling capacity, comes in for Sai in the lineup. Sundar contributes to the bowling group without losing too much for batting.

Karun Nair Promoted to Third Position

Karun Nair, who batted at No. 6 in the last game, will now bat at No. 3, as Sai’s position will be taken over by him. This aligns with a big reshuffle of the Indian top order in the course of a single match. Nair is known for his composure and aptitude for steadying innings. His promotion demonstrates that India is looking for stability and experience higher order.

Three All-Rounders Strategy

India’s strategy for the second Test appears to be focusing on overall balance. If we expect Washington Sundar and Nitish Reddy to go with Ravindra Jadeja, India will playing three all-rounders. Reddy is expected to replace Shardul Thakur, with a similar skillset as him, while providing some freshness.

All of this suggests that India is using the outfield conditions judiciously. Captain Shubman Gill mentioned this in his pre-match press conference:

“If fast bowlers aren’t creating enough opportunities, having a second spinner on such pitches, at least you can add runs until the second new ball is available.” Given the last match, if something similar is expected from the pitch, then India could be making a decent call in having an extra spinner.

Bumrah Rested, Akash Deep Set for Debut

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s spearhead pacer, has been rested for the management of his work load, and we are going to miss him, especially in conditions in England. Akash Deep is set to fill the gap and make his Test debut. He has talent, but comes with high expectations and not a lot of international experience. This could hamper India’s pace attack that is already being questioned in the first Test. The team is going to rely more on spinners and all-rounders to achieve breakthroughs.

A Dangerous But Necessary Re-structuring

Releasing Sai Sudharsan is not seen as a discredit to his skill. The team needed to move into a good balancing act between spin and pace, and between batters and bowlers. This tactical movement could risk looking weak and inexperienced at the top order. Promoting Karun Nair and adding three all-rounders are risky selections with potentially huge upside.

With India trailing in the series 0-1, this second Test represents the last chance to stay alive. The attention will all be on the new-look team under pressure and whether the gamble on all-rounders pays off.

As for sports news headlines today, India is obviously going to create conversation. Notoriously fickle fans or analysts are surely going to dissect not only the bravery in the overhaul just before the Edgbaston Test, but the failure to also last Charlie Stokes and conqueror of lives from both the position of Shane Warne’s Test resurrection and remarkable ability to woo legends.