By Trisha Ghosal in Birmingham
After England’s commanding win in Leeds, India are back in recalibration mode ahead of the second Test at Edgbaston. Facing the media was Ryan ten Doeschate — India’s fielding coach and one of the key voices in the team’s think-tank. While he remained tight-lipped on the playing XI, his words hinted at significant changes, including a likely spin rebalancing and a familiar young all-rounder stepping into English Test conditions for the first time.
Will Bumrah play the Second Test?
The question that loomed largest was put to rest quickly. “He’s available,” confirmed ten Doeschate when asked about Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness. “We haven’t made the decision yet,” ten Doeschate added, underlining the need to finalise combinations based on conditions — but Bumrah looks ready to roll.
Kuldeep Yadav in the Mix as India Rethink Balance
India’s decision to play just one spinner in Leeds drew criticism, and ten Doeschate acknowledged the tactical miss. “Would have been nice to have an extra spinner in the last game,” he admitted. “We’d love to get Kuldeep into the team.” With the Edgbaston pitch looking more spin-friendly, the chances of a Kuldeep comeback — possibly alongside Jadeja — have never looked stronger.
NKR Gears Up for First Test in English Conditions
Nitish Kumar Reddy, who impressed during his Test debut in Australia, is now set for his first red-ball appearance in England. “He’s very close to getting a game,” said ten Doeschate. “He did well in Australia. He has a very good chance of playing in this Test. He’s a very good batting all-rounder.” If selected, NKR could add crucial depth and flexibility — something India lacked in Leeds.
What’s the Pitch Telling India?
“There’s a very strong chance of playing two spinners,” ten Doeschate said of the Edgbaston surface. With quicks shouldering a heavy load and the hot weather, a spin-led approach could be India’s ticket to levelling the contest.
Catching Drills, Conditions, and the Yashasvi Experiment
England’s unpredictability was again the theme when asked about the weather. “Nobody can predict the weather here,” ten Doeschate said with a smile. But preparation continues regardless. “We’ve always wanted depth in the catching department — especially in England,” he noted, referring to slip cordon drills. “Yashasvi has been tried in a different position today. It’s always good to test players in varied conditions.”
India might not have revealed their hand completely, but the signs are clear: changes are coming — bold, strategic, and potentially series-defining.