IND vs ENG: India's U-turn after a bumpy opening Test in Leeds has shifted the spotlight squarely onto the squad's fitness and selection ahead of the second match of the series, starting July 2 at Edgbaston.
As Team India-captained by Shubman Gill-took to the nets in Birmingham, all eyes were on two pace options conspicuous by their limited activity.

According to the Times of India, Jasprit Bumrah, fresh off a grueling 44‑over workload in Leeds, was at Edgbaston but gave the nets a miss, fueling expectations that he'll be rested for workload management. Adding to the intrigue, Prasidh Krishna-who delivered a five‑wicket haul despite an expensive economy of over six-was also absent from the bowling drills, sparking talk that he, too, might sit out the second Test.
With head coach Gautam Gambhir earlier hinting that Bumrah wouldn't feature in all five Tests and emphasizing a match‑by‑match fitness strategy, selectors now face tough calls in reshaping India's pace attack. If Prasidh is indeed sidelined, veterans and newcomers alike could come into consideration.
During the session, uncapped duo Arshdeep Singh and Akash Deep were spotted in earnest discussions with Gambhir, suggesting both may stake claims for places in the XI. Their duel for spots could turn into a double celebration, potentially ushering in Arshdeep's Test debut should both be selected.
The rest of the squad made full use of the day. Gill and Rishabh Pant endured extended spells at the crease, sharpening their responses to quality seam and spin. Meanwhile, Mohammed Siraj, typically celebrated for his seam work, opted to hone his batting-a nod to India's ongoing emphasis on lower‑order resilience.
On the flip side, England has already confirmed their squad for Edgbaston, headlined by the return of Jofra Archer from a lengthy layoff. The question now is whether Archer will make the final XI, adding another X‑factor to an already pivotal contest.
As India balances form, fitness, and fresh faces, the stage is set for a high‑stakes second Test-one where selection gambles could redefine the series.