Arshdeep Singh needs to be part of India’s XI for 2nd Test, sans or with Bumrah

India cricket team desperately need to make changes to their pace department for the ENG vs IND 2nd Test. The fast bowlers tasted very limited success in the 1st Test in Leeds, with Jasprit Bumrah standing out with a five-wicket-haul in the 1st innings. Shubman Gill decided to go ahead with Siraj and Krishna in the playing XI, leaving Arshdeep Singh benched. However, the Indian captain might consider handing the Punjab bowler his debut at Edgbaston following the Leeds loss.

Arshdeep Singh must for India in Edgbaston

Arshdeep earned his maiden call-up to the Test side in the series against England. However, he is yet to break into the playing XI. The southpaw’s ability to get the ball to swing both ways could come of good use to India in the ENG vs IND 2nd Test. It remains unclear if India’s pace spearhead Bumrah will be a part of the next game, given that he will only be playing three Tests in this series.

In that context, India need to consider drafting Arshdeep into the playing XI to boost their bowling attack – with or without Bumrah. While it is highly unlikely that India will drop Mohammed Siraj, either Prasidh Krishna or Shardul Thakur can make way for the southpaw’s inclusion in the playing XI.

Arshdeep has 66 wickets from 21 first-class games played so far. Arshdeep managed to register his career best figures of 6/40 in the Duleep Trophy last year. Talking about his form in IPL 2025, he took 21 wickets in 17 matches. Besides, Arshdeep’s height advantage can come of good use to India in bouncy conditions that various venues in England offer.

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