After a stinging defeat at Headingley, Team India heads to Birmingham with a few big questions and likely changes. The 1st Test loss to England exposed cracks in both the bowling and lower-middle order.
This has prompted calls for a more balanced side for the second Test starting July 2 at Edgbaston.
India had their chances in Leeds but inconsistency cost them. Despite posting 835 runs across two innings and five individual centuries - including two from Rishabh Pant - India let the match slip away.
Follow The Sporting News India on WhatsApp
England chased down 371 with five wickets in hand. Ben Duckett scored 149 and Joe Root's half-century sealed the win for the hosts.
The Indian bowlers failed to sustain pressure. Now, changes are expected.
India's likely playing XI in IND vs ENG 2nd Test in Birmingham
Jasprit Bumrah is likely to be rested as part of a pre-decided workload management plan. Head coach Gautam Gambhir recently confirmed that the fast bowler will only feature in three of the five Tests.
More: IND vs ENG: India missed Virat Kohli's passion and intensity at Headingley, says Madan Lal
If he skips the Edgbaston Test, left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh is the frontrunner to take his place.
Karun Nair may miss out after a disappointing return. He scored only 0 and 20 in Leeds.
His exclusion could open a spot for a more balanced XI that allows both Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja to play together.
More: Which finger does Jasprit Bumrah use to swing the ball? Decoding the India pacer's bowling technique
Shardul Thakur's place is under the watch too. With little impact in Leeds, he might make way for Nitish Reddy, who adds freshness and flexibility to the side.
Prasidh Krishna was also expensive in England's chase. This would have opened doors for Harshit Rana, but the pacer has reportedly returned to India due to a slight niggle.
Gambhir recently hinted that "he will discuss" Rana's situation with the selectors and then will take a call.
India’s likely playing XI for 2nd Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh.