Bumrah's Break, Akash Deep's Rise: Gambhir and Gill’s Bold Test Gamble
As the second Test between England and India kicks off at Edgbaston, there’s been quite a stir in the Indian camp — and not just because of the typical English weather. Head coach Gautam Gambhir and skipper Shubman Gill have reportedly pulled off a selection surprise, opting to rest Jasprit Bumrah and possibly revamp the playing XI significantly.
Yes, you heard that right. India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, fresh off a five-wicket haul in the first Test, is likely to sit this one out. It's part of a pre-planned workload management strategy, one that Gambhir seems determined to stick to, regardless of the match outcome at Headingley. Despite Bumrah’s dominant display, India failed to seal the game, and the loss raised serious questions about the team’s balance — particularly in the bowling department.
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Stepping into Bumrah’s large boots is expected to be Akash Deep, the 28-year-old right-arm quick who last played in the Boxing Day Test against Australia. Deep was seen bowling extensively during India’s training sessions, while Arshdeep Singh, another promising pacer, was notably absent from key drills. The message seems clear: Akash Deep is in.
Meanwhile, that’s not the only shake-up we’re hearing about. Shubman Gill and Gambhir seem to be reviving an old tradition — the inclusion of multiple all-rounders. Both Nitish Kumar Reddy and Washington Sundar are being heavily considered for the playing XI. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate hinted at Reddy’s inclusion, praising his form and potential as a batting all-rounder. With the Edgbaston pitch showing signs of dryness underneath its 11mm of grass, the think tank is also leaning toward fielding two spinners.
Gill, addressing the media, emphasized the importance of batting depth — even suggesting that going deep till No. 8 could provide India with the stability they lacked in the final innings of the first Test. He openly admitted that having a second spinner last time around might have made the difference. It’s a rare and honest acknowledgment from a young captain who’s clearly learning fast.
The big takeaway here isn’t just about who’s in or out — it’s about India’s evolving Test strategy under Gambhir and Gill. It’s a bold, calculated move that mixes trust in youth with the necessity of managing elite player workloads. Whether it pays off against England’s aggressive batting lineup remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: this second Test is not just another match — it’s a statement of intent.
Game on at Edgbaston.
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