India vs England-Three Players Who Are Most Likely To Get Left Out In Second Test After Disappointing Beginnings

India's five-Test series against England started on a disappointing note with a five-wicket defeat in the first match at Leeds. Though the team had some impressive contributions with the bat particularly from batsmen like Rishabh Pant KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal the overall show was not sufficient to guarantee a win. The Indian side had a hard time with bowling support and fielding that proved to be expensive. Now with the second Test beginning on July 2 in Birmingham the team management may make a couple of changes in the playing eleven. A couple of the players who underperformed in the initial match may be excluded to introduce new vigor and performance for the second Test, which is pivotal.

One of the most likely candidates for exclusion is Shardul Thakur. Thakur is recognized as an all-rounder who can contribute both bat and ball to the team but he did not make any significant contribution during the first Test. He only managed to score five runs in two innings and took just two wickets. More worrying was that he bowled just 16 overs in the match which indicates that skipper Shubman Gill did not have enough faith in his bowling. In a match where India so badly needed breakthroughs Thakur was not utilized properly which gives doubts regarding his spot in the second Test. There are so many skilled pace and seam-bowling individuals in the team that it is possible that one other person would be picked in his stead.

Another seasoned player who could also be dropped is Ravindra Jadeja. The left-handed all-rounder is one of India's most consistent players in recent years particularly in Tests. But in the Leeds Test, he could not really make any contribution. He managed to score only 11 runs in the first and was unbeaten on 25 in the second. Although these were not horrific figures they failed to capture the sort of game-altering contribution Jadeja is known to deliver. With the ball he should have been looking to exploit the rough patches on the pitch but managed only a single wicket throughout the game. The conditions favored his mode of bowling in the pitch but was unable to capitalize. India could very well look at this performance and think of giving someone else an opportunity who could utilize the conditions of the bowling in Birmingham more effectively.

Interestingly Jasprit Bumrah was the star bowler for India in the first Test with a masterful five-wicket haul his position in the second Test too is also in jeopardy but due to a different reason. Bumrah has been among India's most consistent fast bowlers and his form is not in question. But there is a need to handle his workload with care. With a crowded schedule and only a three-day break between the second Test and the third match at Lord's the side may rest Bumrah for the Birmingham Test so that he remains fresh for the remaining part of the series. India is much dependent on Bumrah particularly in conditions abroad and any overuse or injury would be a mammoth blow. So although he was India's top bowler during the first match the management could take the long-term perspective and provide him with a brief break.

The initial Test displayed some encouraging signs through batters such as Rishabh Pant who was incredible with centuries in both the innings. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal also contributed depth to the top order with a century each. But other than these few players India did not have the consistency and discipline necessary to win matches in England. Fielding mistakes also contributed a lot to the defeat and the team will surely have to work harder in that regard before the next game.

Karun Nair's international return also did not go well. The batsman managed to score only 0 and 20 in his two innings and could not make an impression. Although he may get another opportunity India also has alternative bench strength who have been waiting for their turn and can provide more solidity in the middle order. With such fierce competition in the squad even one lacklustre performance may leave the door open for other players to enter.

The defeat at Leeds was a reminder that England are formidable home opponents and to beat them one needs a whole team effort. India has the talent and ability but until each player makes his contribution on the field it will be hard to win a long Test series in such adverse conditions. The squad will now have to plan carefully for the playing eleven for Birmingham to ensure that they recover well and square the series. New players may introduce some new ideas and passion into the team which may be necessary at this juncture.

With July 2 looming large everything will be focused on the selection and the reaction of India to the defeat. The second Test may prove to be a series-changing match and the pressure is already mounting. The fans will look to witness a much more aggressive Indian team out there with players willing to seize every opportunity that comes their way. The changes are inevitable and they may prove to be the turning point for the team as they look to draw the series and pick up momentum in the important matches to come.