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After a disappointing five-wicket defeat in Leeds, India are gearing up for a crucial second Test against England at Birmingham, starting on June 2. The team’s combination has come under scrutiny, and former India wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta has weighed in with his recommended changes. Dasgupta’s suggestions focus on balancing experience with tactical flexibility, introducing two key changes to the playing XI that could shape India’s fortunes in the series.
Deep Dasgupta suggests a tactical change to bring stability at No. 3
One of the most significant changes proposed by Dasgupta is promoting Karun Nair to the pivotal No. 3 position, replacing Sai Sudharsan. While Sudharsan showed promise with a score of 30 in the first Test, Dasgupta emphasized that the decision is not a reflection of the youngster’s performance but rather a move to achieve the best team balance. Speaking during the discussion on the Star Sports show ‘Game Plan’, he stressed the importance of communication, stating he would explain to Sudharsan that the exclusion is purely strategic and not performance-based.
“In general, you don’t want to make too many changes after the first game, but you have also got to think this is a very young side. It’s a new captain, a newish side. So you have got to get the combination right. Karun Nair has got most of his runs at No. 3. Also, he batted for India A against the England Lions at No. 3,” Dasgupta said.
Nair’s credentials at No. 3 are notable, with a strong domestic record and prior experience in the role for India A against the England Lions. By moving Nair up the order, Dasgupta believes India can solidify the top order and create space in the middle for an additional all-rounder. This adjustment also allows Nitish Kumar Reddy to slot in at No. 6, offering India a seam-bowling option lower down the order—a valuable asset in English conditions.
“So you might want to look at Karun Nair at No. 3. That opens up a space for someone like Nitish at No. 6, who, if required, can give you a few overs of seam. I will have a chat with Sai Sudharsan and say this is not a reflection of what happened in the first Test, but this is a combination thing. So that conversation becomes very, very important, how you put it across to someone like Sai,” the former India wicketkeeper-batter added.
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Dasgupta outlines a must-make change for India to effectively counter ‘Bazball’
Dasgupta’s second major change is the inclusion of left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav at No. 8. With Birmingham known for its batting-friendly surface, Dasgupta argues that India can afford to play Kuldeep even if his batting is not a primary strength, thanks to the top order’s recent form. Kuldeep’s ability to extract turn and his proven record of 56 wickets at an average of 22.16 in 13 Tests make him a potent weapon, especially against England’s aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach.
Dasgupta has consistently advocated for the presence of a wrist-spinner in the XI, believing Kuldeep’s variations could disrupt England’s rhythm and provide crucial breakthroughs. The move also signals India’s intent to attack rather than just contain, a mindset that could be pivotal in leveling the series.
“The advantage of having a top five among runs is you’re not too worried about contributions from your No. 8 with the bat. I would love to see Kuldeep there,” Dasgupta concluded.
With these two changes Dasgupta’s playing XI aims to strike the right balance between stability, flexibility, and attacking intent. As India seeks to bounce back in Birmingham, these bold picks could be the catalyst for a turnaround in the series.
Deep Dasgupta’s India playing XI for the second Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
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