IND vs ENG: Why is Harpreet Brar present in India practice session? Will he replace Ravindra Jadeja for 2nd Test?

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The Indian cricket team is currently touring England for a five-match Test series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship.

The first Test at Headingley was a setback for India, as they lost by five wickets despite a strong batting performance in the first innings.

Jasprit Bumrah's five-wicket haul in the first innings was a highlight, but he went wicketless in the second, and concerns about his workload management have surfaced, with reports indicating he may play only three of the five Tests. The second Test, set to begin on July 8, 2025, at Edgbaston, Birmingham, is critical for India to level the series and regain momentum.

India's squad for the series includes a strong spin-bowling contingent with Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar, alongside pacers like Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and others. However, the team faces challenges, including the absence of Virat Kohli for the series and the release of pacer Harshit Rana after the first Test, which has sparked discussions about potential replacements or additional players to bolster the squad. The Indian batting lineup, led by captain Shubman Gill, struggled with fielding lapses in the first Test, notably Yashasvi Jaiswal dropping four catches, which contributed to England's successful chase.

Harpreet Brar's Involvement in the Practice Session

On June 28, 2025, Harpreet Brar, a left-arm spin-bowling all-rounder from Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, was spotted bowling in the nets to Indian batters during a practice session at Edgbaston. Notably, Brar was not in the official Indian squad for the tour and was not wearing the Indian kit, suggesting he was likely invited as a net bowler or guest to assist with preparations rather than being formally included in the team. His presence was reported by Indian journalist Sandipan Bannerjee, present in England.

Brar, primarily known as a white-ball specialist, has not made his First-Class debut, despite a strong T20 record with 87 wickets at an average of 25.18 and notable IPL performances, including a standout spell against Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021.

Will Harpreet Brar play for India in 2nd Test?

There has been speculation about Brar's potential inclusion in the Indian Test squad, particularly as a like-for-like replacement for Ravindra Jadeja, another left-arm finger spinner and all-rounder.

This stems from reports suggesting head coach Gautam Gambhir might consider dropping Jadeja for the second Test, though no official confirmation exists. Brar's presence at the nets fueled these rumors, as his bowling style mirrors Jadeja's, offering control and the ability to exploit spin-friendly conditions at Edgbaston.

But the left-arm spinner is unlikely to be included in the 2nd Test squad. His role in the team is simply as a net bowler to help Indian batters play against spinners, and it will remain so.