India vs England 2021, 2nd Test- India's Predicted Playing XI

The first Test between India and England resulted in a draw. Given how India played during the Test match, every Indian cricket fan would have wanted India to bat on day 5 but, unfortunately, the rain had other plans.

Nonetheless, the second Test match will be played from 12^th to 16^th August 2021. Indian bowlers were brilliant in the first Test and so were the Indian openers. However, their middle-order continues to be a big cause of concern.

Here’s a look at India predicted playing XI for the second Test against England:

Second Test, India vs England- India’s Predicted Playing XI

Rohit Sharma:

Ahead of the first Test, there were doubts over Rohit Sharma’s ability to play under swinging conditions. He has shut down all his critics after playing two solid knocks in the first Test. Rohit looked assured till the time he stayed at the crease.

He made a good-looking 36 in the first innings before throwing his wicket off Robinson. He stayed unbeaten at 12 off 38 in the fourth innings.

KL Rahul

After playing a stellar 84-run knock in the first Test, KL Rahul has certainly cemented his place for the second Test. He looked positive right throughout his innings. While wickets kept falling at one end, KL Rahul guided India to a respectable total in the second innings. He will be key to India’s fortunes in the second Test.

Cheteshwar Pujara:

Chesteshwar Pujara’s hasn’t been in the best of form with the bat. Ahead of the start of the series, there had been reports that he gets dropped from the first Test. Pujara, however, played the game and is likely to be persisted in the second Test as well. He is a vital cog in the Indian Test team. If Pujara manages to bring his form back, then India certainly will have more chances to win the series.

Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is likely to persist batting at number four. He, unfortunately, got out on the first ball he faced off Anderson in the second innings of the first Test. Virat Kohli has endured a lean patch for quite some time now. He scored his last Test century back in 2019 in the day-night Test against Bangladesh.

Ajinkya Rahane:

India’s vice-captain of the Test team, Ajinkya Rahane too isn’t in the best of form. He ran himself out in the first Test after making 5 off 5 balls. The upcoming three Tests are going to be vital for Rahane as far as his Test cricket’s future is concerned.

Rishabh Pant:

Rishabh Pant has impressed one and all with his glovework in the first Test. Pant ensured he held onto the catches and doesn’t let India disappoint. Pant scored 25 runs off 20 balls in the second innings of the first Test. Given the kind of form he is in, he is likely to be persisted as the wicket-keeper in India’s playing 11 for the second Test.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Ravindra Jadeja showed why he was given the nod over Ravi Ashwin in the first Test. At a crucial stage of the game, Jadeja played a brilliant 56-run knock in the second innings. His knock helped India secure a 94-run lead. Jadeja’s all-round potential will help him secure his place in the playing XI for the second Test.

Ravi Ashwin

Shardul Thakur has been ruled out of the second Test owing to a hamstring injury. India will either go with Ishant Sharma or Ravi Ashwin as Thakur’s replacement. Bringing Ishant Sharma into the side would potentially lengthen the visitors’ tail. Also, with Lord’s pitch assisting the spinners, Ravi Ashwin should get the nod ahead of Ishant Sharma.

M Shami:

Much to everyone’s expectations, M Shami exhibited a stellar performance with the ball in the first Test. He took 3 wickets in the first innings and one wicket in the second.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah starred for the visitors in the first Test. He took as many as 9 wickets in the match and was one of the biggest reasons for India’s dominance in the game. He had a forgettable outing in the WTC final against New Zealand. Come to the first Test, the seamer wreaked havoc in Nottingham.

M Siraj

Ever since he has made his India debut in Australia, Mohammed Siraj has impressed one and all with his accuracy and hunger to strive. Without a doubt, he has become a potent weapon for the Men in Blue in the bowling department. Siraj picked three wickets in the first Test.