Deep Dasgupta suggests 2 changes in India’s XI for ENG vs IND 2025 2nd Test

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta has suggested two changes in India’s playing XI for the second Test match against England. Dasgupta wants Karun Nair to be promoted to number three and he feels the team’s think tank can drop Sai Sudharsan.

The left-hander returned with scores of 0 and 30 in his debut game whereas Nair returned with scores of 0 and 20. The former Bengal cricketer wants the management to have a conversation with Sai Sudharsan before dropping him, telling him that they are making the decision, not on performance but for combination.

Dasgupta wants India to play Nitish Kumar Reddy in place of Sai Sudharsan after the all-rounder had impressed on the Australian tour.

“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, 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,” the former India wicketkeeper-batter said on Star Sports show Game Plan.

“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,” he added.

The former gloveman said he would want India to include Kuldeep Yadav in the playing XI as the wrist spinner can be a wicket-taking option.

“Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I would love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having a top five amongst runs is that you are not too worried about contribution from your No. 8 with the bat,” he said.

“So I think that would help someone like Kuldeep to play at No. 8, and not worry too much in terms of how much he is going to contribute with the bat, is what I think. So, Kuldeep for me, yes,” Dasgupta observed.

The second Test match between India and England will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from July 2nd onwards.