Last Updated on 3 months by Charbel Coorey
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said it is likely India will play two spinners for the second Test against England at Edgbaston. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, ten Doeschate stated it will be a decision between three spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav and Washington Sundar.
“There is a very strong chance of playing two spinners. It’s just which two we play. All three spinners are bowling very nicely. Washi’s batting very nicely. So it’s just which combination do we go with? All-rounder spinner or the out-and-out spinner? And obviously, you have to play the bowling all-rounder again. So there are so many different variables,” he said.
Reports emerged on match-eve that India will likely select Washington Sundar. According to Express Sports, Kuldeep Yadav will miss out. It is a report that worries many Indian fans, especially as Jasprit Bumrah is a chance to be rested.
Washington Sundar reportedly selected over Kuldeep Yadav: Is it the right call?
Washington Sundar over Kuldeep Yadav is a defensive move from a bowling point of view. Sundar can keep things tight, but whether he possesses the wicket-taking threat Kuldeep has remains to be seen. If Jasprit Bumrah is not selected, Kuldeep’s absence would further reduce the strike value in India’s attack.
The motive behind the decision to play Washington, should it eventuate, is batting depth. India collapsed badly in both innings at Headingley. However, they went with this approach in the 2024/25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, and while Washington made an excellent contribution with the bat at the MCG, the visitors lacked strike apart from Bumrah.
India fans on social media share this sentiment. A lot of attention has been directed towards Gautam Gambhir. The head coach is on record multiple times talking about the importance of bowling strength, even as recently as India’s loss at Headingley.
“Taking 20 wickets is the only way to win Test matches,” Gambhir said. “Batting runs alone can’t win Tests. You can score 1,000 runs, but unless you take 20 wickets, you don’t win Test matches.”
Yet, the make up of the team suggests otherwise. Here are some of the reactions and viewpoints from India fans ahead of the Edgbaston Test.
India have another chance to win their first ever Test at Edgbaston. They have played eight Tests at the venue, losing seven times and drawing once.
