Former Indian cricketer’s advise to team management advice ahead of 2nd Test against England

Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Deep Dasgupta advised the team management to make two changes in the playing XI for the second Test match against England. Dasgupta stated that India should name Nitish Kumar Reddy instead of Sai Sudharshan, along with sending Kuldeep Yadav at No. 8.

Sai Sudharshan made his debut in Test cricket in the first match, and made score of 0 and 30 in the two innings. However, Deep Dasgupta believes that Nitish Kumar Reddy is going to offer a better option in the second clash. Dasgupta also believes that if Karun Nair is promoted to No. 3 in the batting order, the team management can even drop Sudharshan.

“In general, you don’t want to make too many changes after the first game, but you have also got to think this is a very young side. It’s a new captain, newish side. So you have got to get the combination right. Karun Nair has got most of his runs at No. 3. Also, he batted for India A against the England Lions at No. 3,” the former India wicketkeeper-batter said on Star Sports.

“So you might want to look at Karun Nair at No. 3. That opens up a space for someone like Nitish at No. 6, who, if required, can give you a few overs of seam. I will have a chat with Sai Sudharsan and say this is not a reflection of what happened in the first Test, but this is a combination things. So that conversation becomes very, very important, how you put it across to someone like Sai,” he added.

Deep Dasgupta even pointed how Birmingham generally offer batting-friendly conditions- stating that including Kuldeep Yadav at No. 8 can be game-changer for India. “Looking forward to Birmingham, which is usually a batting-friendly venue, I would love to see Kuldeep there. The advantage of having a top five amongst runs is that you are not too worried about contribution from your No. 8 with the bat,” he said.