Gautam Gambhir Sees Some Crucial Changes in India's Playing XI as a Favourite IPL Hero Faces the Axe

The Indian national team is expected to make some key alterations in its playing eleven during the second Test against England and one of the greatest talking points revolve around the exclusion of debutant Sai Sudharsan from the playing eleven. Although an extremely gifted IPL star Sudharsan may be axed because the team management wants a new direction with players who can provide more balance particularly in the context of all-round qualities. The decision has stunned many as Sudharsan received just one opportunity and it was his very first Test match. Still the management appears to be concerned about what the team requires in the future and not merely individual performances.

One of the primary reasons for making this choice is India wanting to have more all-rounders in the playing XI and Washington Sundar is coming out as a strong candidate to replace Sudharsan. Washington is a spin-bowling all-rounder and is famous not just for his efficient bowling but also for his composed and intelligent batting when under pressure. He is also said to be a player who head coach Gautam Gambhir really looks up to. Gambhir is said to have great influence over selection and his liking for Washington could have a big say in getting the young player back in the Test team.

The addition of Washington Sundar is also perceived as a strategic move to enhance the overall team balance. With Sundar in the team India would not only gain an additional spin option but also a dependable lower-order batter which could prove useful in Test cricket. Gambhir who always prefers players who are able to contribute in more than one department may find this the perfect time to make a change that he feels is for the good of the team. But the move could create controversy as Sudharsan did not receive a fair opportunity and was dropped after appearing only once which is not the norm in Test cricket.

Interestingly despite a few rumors that Sudharsan may be carrying a shoulder injury he was spotted training hard in the nets before the second Test. This has persuaded many to think that the possible omission is as much about tactics as it is about fitness. His willingness to try despite the reports of injury illustrates his commitment but it may not be sufficient to retain his position in the team for the next game.

The other likely change is the potential inclusion of Nitish Reddy instead of Shardul Thakur. Reddy is regarded as a batting all-rounder who can inject new life into the team while also providing more variety with the ball. Shardul, who has been coming in and out of the side, could have to give way if the selectors choose to persist with a younger alternative who is more dependable with the bat. Nitish Reddy has been playing well in recent times and his skill at dealing with pressure scenarios can make him a great asset for the Test team.

Along with Reddy another new face who could get a look-in is Akash Deep who could be an alternative to Jasprit Bumrah. It would be a risk-taking strategy as Bumrah is one of India's top fast bowlers. The management of Bumrah's workload has been an issue throughout and with a long season looming ahead the team may be considering resting him to save him from any injury lay-offs. Akash Deep has been waiting patiently and if offered an opportunity he would be keen to seize it with both hands.

In the meantime Karun Nair who has been brought back into the Indian team is set to upgrade the order and occupy the No 3 position if Sudharsan is omitted. This would keep Shubman Gill at No 4 which appears to be his comfortable and preferred position. This re-jigging of the batting order may be a planned one to solidify the middle order which has appeared unsteady at times.

Despite the chance of having two spinners in the squad Kuldeep Yadav may have to wait a little longer. Even though the Indian skipper had hinted at playing two spinners based on the nature of the pitch it appears that Kuldeep is not going to be included in the final XI for a second consecutive time. Shubman Gill discussed how spinners need to build pressure particularly when pacers cannot pick up wickets and even said that on such wickets using a second spinner might actually contribute to building pressure till the second new ball is there.

The likely changes mark a definite change in strategy on the part of the Indian team management. It reflects a trend towards reinforcing the depth of the team with a player who can play across disciplines rather than relying on specialists. Gautam Gambhir's impact as head coach is expected to become increasingly evident with the players he respects or trusts being reportedly shortlisted more seriously now.

As the squad gears up for the second Test, supporters and pundits will watch closely to observe how the changes work out. Although some of the choices such as omitting Sudharsan seem tough at first they also evidence the hard decisions that have to be taken in top-level cricket where the priority is always to win games and create a balanced team. If Washington Sundar Nitish Reddy and Akash Deep find themselves in the playing XI it will be a huge opportunity for them to demonstrate their ability and repay the trust reposed by the team management and head coach.

Ultimately cricket is all about contribution to the team and performance. While India seeks to turn the series around or consolidate their position the new faces could bring the spark and solidity the team requires. Whether these changes are eventually successful or not only time will be able to tell but one thing is definite that the Indian team with Gautam Gambhir at the helm is not hesitant in taking bold decisions for the greater good.