India and England are currently locked in a five-match Test series, and after a five-wicket defeat in the opening Test at Leeds, Team India is expected to make key changes to their playing XI for the second Test starting July 2 in Birmingham.

All-rounder Shardul Thakur failed to impress in the first Test. He bowled 6 overs in the first innings and 10 in the second, managing just 2 wickets, and struggled with the bat as well, scoring only 5 runs across both innings. Given his underwhelming performance, his spot in the XI is under review.

Nitish Reddy Could Make His Test Debut

In-form youngster Nitish Reddy is being considered as a replacement. He could replace Shardul in India XI for 2nd Test. The all-rounder shone during India A’s tour of Australia, even scoring a century. His inclusion could bring more balance to the side.

Has people forgot 22 years old Nitish Kumar Reddy already? Led got to debut in Aus's tough conditions where everyone struggled & he succeded and still GG dropped him for flop 34 years old Karun Nair.

His scores in BGT - 41, 38*, 42, 42, 114 batting at 8. pic.twitter.com/5S5OItwnuh

— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) June 24, 2025

With spin-friendly conditions expected at Edgbaston, venue for IND vs ENG 2nd Test, Kuldeep Yadav is also in line to make a comeback to the Test XI. If picked, he could replace either Mohammad Siraj or Prasidh Krishna, both of whom played in Leeds.

After a five-wicket defeat in the series opener in Leeds, captain Shubman Gill and head coach Gautam Gambhir are expected to rethink their strategy and selection ahead of the second Test.

India's predicted playing XI for IND vs ENG 2nd Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Karun Nair, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur/Nitish Kumar Reddy, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna.