India are heading into the Lord’s Take a look at (beginning July 10) with plenty of confidence after their dominant 336-run victory over England at Edgbaston, which leveled the sequence at 1-1. Whereas they carried out exceptionally nicely, particularly with Shubman Gill’s double century and the tempo duo of Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep, there are nonetheless a few areas the place India would possibly take into account making adjustments to optimize their XI for the distinctive circumstances at Lord’s.
Listed here are 3 potential adjustments India might make for the Lord’s Take a look at
1. Jasprit Bumrah IN for Prasidh Krishna:
That is virtually a certainty. Captain Gill himself confirmed that Jasprit Bumrah was rested for the Edgbaston Take a look at particularly to handle his workload and guarantee his health for the Lord’s Take a look at, the place the pitch is anticipated to supply extra to seamers. Whereas Akash Deep had an exceptional outing with a 10-wicket haul at Edgbaston, and Siraj was wonderful as nicely, Prasidh Krishna is perhaps the one to make means. Bumrah’s potential to extract bounce and motion, coupled along with his categorical tempo and accuracy, makes him a vital weapon at Lord’s, typically dubbed the ‘Dwelling of Cricket,’.
2. Shardul Thakur IN for Nitish Kumar Reddy:
Shardul Thakur has a confirmed monitor file in England, particularly at Lord’s. He brings invaluable expertise of those circumstances, typically choosing up essential wickets at key moments and contributing with the bat down the order. His potential to maneuver the ball each methods and hit helpful runs (he has three Take a look at fifties in England) makes him a really engaging choice, significantly at a floor like Lord’s which historically provides some swing.
Whereas Nitish Kumar Reddy is a promising younger all-rounder, his debut at Edgbaston noticed him get out cheaply in each innings (1 and 31), struggling towards the shifting ball. He additionally didn’t bowl. Whereas he’s a ‘batting all-rounder,’ Shardul gives a extra established two-way risk in Take a look at cricket, particularly abroad. The group would possibly search for extra solidity and expertise in a vital Take a look at.
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3. Sai Sudharsan IN for Karun Nair:
Karun Nair‘s comeback to Take a look at cricket hasn’t gone as deliberate. After scoring a triple century in 2016, his return at Headingley noticed him get a duck and 20. At Edgbaston, promoted to quantity three, he scored 31 and 26, failing to transform begins regardless of displaying glimpses of his class. There’s a sense he hasn’t appeared totally snug, particularly towards the swinging ball. Sai Sudharsan, regardless of being dropped for the Edgbaston Take a look at after his debut (0 and 30 at Headingley), is seen as a long-term prospect. He received the Orange Cap in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 and has proven good type in County Championship stints. Whereas his debut wasn’t splendid, he’s technically sound and will probably provide extra stability on the high or center order if given an extended rope.
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