India’s Controversial Selection Sparks Outrage in 2nd Test vs England at Edgbaston
Summary:
India’s team selection for the second Test at Edgbaston has triggered criticism from fans and former players alike. With pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah rested, the omission of experienced names like Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, and Sai Sudharsan has baffled many. While India reached 74/1 at the end of 19.3 overs, questions loom over the team strategy, with critics calling out what they see as flawed planning under captain Shubman Gill and mentor Gautam Gambhir.
Fan Reactions Pour In on Social Media
The Indian cricketing community didn’t take long to voice its frustration after the playing XI was announced:
Jasmeet Kohli wrote:
“Height of stupidity again by India — selecting Prasidh Krishna over Arshdeep, even when Arshdeep has good experience in England. Dropping Sai Sudharsan after just one game? Going with six bowlers when Shardul wasn’t even fully utilized in the last match — ridiculous. England on their way to win again!”
Doc B from Chandigarh added:
“No Bumrah — fine. But why was Harshit Rana sent back? And what does Gambhir have against Kuldeep? Only three pacers — Siraj, Prasidh, and Arshdeep — and two spin-allrounders in Jadeja and Washington? Basic logic seems missing.”
L.R.S. Mani chimed in with a valid question:
“What did Sai Sudharsan do wrong? He didn’t fail badly to be dropped like this. Really poor selection decisions.”
Bumrah’s Absence and Management’s Justification
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence is being explained by the BCCI as part of a “workload management” strategy. Bumrah, who bowled superbly in the first Test (5/83 in the first innings), was ineffective in the second and is being preserved for the more bowler-friendly conditions at Lord’s for the third Test, just four days away.
Shubman Gill, India’s captain, admitted:
“The third Test at Lord’s may have more for Bumrah, and we want him fresh and fit throughout the series.”
Still, with India trailing 0-1 and facing poor historical records at Edgbaston (7 losses, 1 draw), many question whether this was the right match to rest the team’s best bowler.
Playing XI: Key Changes & Surprises
India’s XI for 2nd Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal
KL Rahul
Karun Nair
Shubman Gill (C)
Rishabh Pant (WK)
Nitish Kumar Reddy
Ravindra Jadeja
Washington Sundar
Akash Deep
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna
Major talking points:
Akash Deep replacing Bumrah
Nitish Kumar Reddy in for Sai Sudharsan
Washington Sundar replaces Shardul Thakur
Karun Nair promoted to No. 3
Meanwhile, England retained their winning XI from the Headingley Test and once again chose to bowl first under overcast skies.
Criticism of the Bowling Strategy
The Indian bowling combination is under fire:
Only three frontline pacers: Siraj, Prasidh, and Akash Deep
No specialist wrist-spinner like Kuldeep Yadav
Inclusion of two spin all-rounders — Jadeja and Washington — which could backfire in seam-friendly English conditions
Gautam Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, responsible for team strategy and selection, are under scrutiny. As one fan put it, “Someone needs to teach them the basics — four pacers and two spinners is the England template!”
How the Match is Progressing
Despite the backlash, India have started steadily:
Score: 74/1 in 19.3 overs
KL Rahul was dismissed early
Yashasvi Jaiswal (37) and Karun Nair (25) are rebuilding calmly, tackling England’s pace challenge effectively
England’s seamers, especially Josh Tongue, have tested the Indian batters with sharp pace and bounce, but the pitch has been relatively batting-friendly so far.
What’s Next?
India’s fate in the second Test could hinge on:
How well the inexperienced pace trio performs in Bumrah’s absence
Whether Washington and Jadeja can justify the two-spin-allrounder approach
The ability of middle-order newcomers like Nitish Reddy to hold their own under pressure
With Lord’s around the corner and India already 0-1 down, anything less than a fightback here could put the series beyond reach.